International community must compel Israel to withdraw from Lebanon: Parliament speaker

Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has called on the international community and the countries monitoring the ceasefire agreement in the Arab country to compel the Israeli regime to withdraw from Lebanese territory immediately.

Berri made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, after Israeli forces opened fire at the Lebanese people returning to their homes in the country’s southern towns along the border upon the expiration of the 60-day ceasefire implementation period, killing at least 15 civilians and wounding 83 others. 

“The bloodshed witnessed today, with more martyrs and casualties, serves as undeniable evidence of Israel’s ongoing violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” he said, calling on the international community to take urgent action and “compel Israel to immediately withdraw from Lebanese territory.”

Dozens killed, injured as Israeli forces shoot at civilians in south Lebanon

Israeli forces have opened fire at the Lebanese people returning to their homes in the country

Berri further hailed the resilience of the people in southern Lebanon as they defied threats and returned to their border villages, saying, "Your actions today stand as a testament to the embodiment of true patriotism, to your unwavering loyalty to Lebanon, its message, and the pursuit of freedom."

"Your courage and resilience have proven that a homeland fortified by determination as resolute as yours, with a strength burning like embers, cannot be subdued. This is a homeland destined to triumph, no matter the challenges it faces," he noted.

Earlier in the day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed that Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are “non-negotiable,” adding that he is following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure the Lebanese people’s “rights and dignity."

In a statement addressing Lebanon from southern towns, Aoun said, “I share with our people in the south the joy of the victory of truth, and I call on them to exercise self-control and trust in the [Lebanese] armed forces.”

"The Lebanese Army stands with you, wherever you are, and remains dedicated to safeguarding your security. Together, we will remain stronger and united under the banner of Lebanon," he added.

Lebanese army slams Israeli procrastination in ceasefire withdrawal from south

The Lebanese army has lashed out at the Israeli regime over procrastination in withdrawal of its military forces from the southern part of the country.

At least 15 people were killed and 83 others wounded on Sunday when Israeli forces opened fire on those trying to return to their villages still under occupation, as the 60-day deadline for the complete withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from southern Lebanon ended.

The pullout was stipulated in a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Hezbollah resistance movement.

The regime forces, however, did not leave the occupied areas in a blatant violation of the truce agreement and an infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Over the weekend, the Israeli military warned Lebanese people not to return to their hometowns in the country’s south and put up barricades in the area.

Israel was forced to accept the ceasefire with Hezbollah on November 27, 2024, after suffering heavy losses on the battleground and failing to achieve its goals despite killing over 4,000 people in Lebanon.

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