Expert Alleges Israeli Ceasefire Breach in Lebanon
Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad on Saturday accused Israel of consistently failing to honor diplomatic agreements, asserting that ongoing Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strikes in southern Lebanon violate the ceasefire. Speaking to ANI, Awwad claimed that Israel's military actions undermine long-term regional stability, pointing to the situation in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
Over 4,000 Lebanese Casualties Cited
According to Awwad, despite a ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and the Lebanese government two years ago, attacks have continued, resulting in more than 4,000 Lebanese deaths. "Israel have known that they have not ever honored any kind of an agreement. Ever since they signed the agreement two years ago with the Lebanese government, there's nothing there were continuations of attacks; more than 4,000 Lebanese lost their life because of the Israeli attack," he stated.
Parallels Drawn to Gaza
Awwad drew parallels to Gaza, asserting that even after formalizing agreements with Hamas, Israel persisted in bombardment, killing civilians, and the total destruction of the Gaza Strip. "It is the similar fashion they have done in the Gaza Strip, but they have signed the agreement also with Hamas and all, but yet they continue their bombardment, they continue the killing of the civilians, they continue the destruction total destruction of the Gaza Strip," he said.
Call for Israeli Withdrawal
The expert emphasized that lasting peace requires Israel to withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territories. "So I believe it is the ball is in the court of Israel that if they wanted to live in peace in this part of the world, they should withdraw from all the occupied territories of Lebanon. Otherwise, this war will continue," Awwad noted.
Hezbollah's Defensive Posture
Awwad claimed that Hezbollah's operations are confined to defensive actions within Lebanese territory, stating, "Hezbollah is attacking Israel inside Lebanon territory. They are not attacking Israeli territories." He warned that the conflict will persist as long as occupation continues, noting that the Lebanese people, whom he called the "aboriginal" population of southern Lebanon, will not leave and will continue resistance.
IDF Justifies Retaliatory Strikes
The IDF stated that fresh strikes in Lebanon were retaliation for Hezbollah's "repeated and ongoing violations of the ceasefire," while remaining committed to protecting civilians and forces. On X, the Israeli Air Force claimed Hezbollah launched over 50 strikes on Israeli forces, prompting retaliation against dozens of "terrorist infrastructures" and terrorists overnight. The IAF affirmed adherence to the ceasefire but vowed to "remove any threat."
Hezbollah Claims Ceasefire Adherence
Hezbollah, in a statement, said it attacked Israeli forces attempting to advance in southern Lebanon but has "adhered to the ceasefire" since Friday afternoon, according to the Times of Israel.
