Tensions flared along the Lebanese-Israeli border on Sunday as Israeli forces allegedly shot and killed a woman in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese official media. The incident comes just two days before the February 18 ceasefire deadline between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns over the fragile truce.
Fatal Shooting and Rising Tensions
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli forces fired on residents in the town of Hula as they attempted to return to their homes, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to others. The agency also reported that three Lebanese citizens were taken by Israeli forces after residents entered the area by bypassing a Lebanese army checkpoint and dirt barriers set up by the Israeli military.
Following the shooting, Lebanon’s army issued a warning urging civilians to avoid areas near the border where the military had not yet completed its deployment, citing safety concerns.
Ceasefire Agreement Faces Challenges
The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on November 27, was brokered to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Under the deal, Israel agreed to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon over a 60-day period, while Hezbollah was expected to retreat north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the border.
However, the withdrawal process has been plagued by delays and repeated accusations of violations from both sides. The deadline, originally set for January, was extended to February 18 after Israel failed to complete its withdrawal on time.
Civilian Deaths and Israeli Warnings
When the initial ceasefire deadline expired in late January, Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli fire killed 26 people over two days as residents attempted to return to their villages.
On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a vehicle in Iqlim Al Tuffah, a region in southern Lebanon, killing two individuals. The Israeli army claimed the strike targeted a senior Hezbollah militant from the group’s aerial unit.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to warn Lebanese civilians against moving south, stating that the Israeli army remains deployed on the ground and that the area is still dangerous.
Disputed Withdrawal and Uncertain Future
Lebanese officials remain concerned about Israel’s full compliance with the ceasefire terms. On Thursday, a senior Israeli security official stated that the military was prepared to complete its withdrawal by the February 18 deadline as part of the U.S.-French-mediated truce.
However, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed that while Israel has committed to the withdrawal, it has also stated its intent to remain in five locations, a condition Lebanon strongly rejects.
With violence continuing and tensions escalating, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire holds or if further conflict erupts along the volatile Lebanese-Israeli border.
