Israel bans civilian movement in southern Lebanon, bars return to over 60 villages

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have imposed restrictions on civilian movement in southern Lebanon, preventing residents of over 60 villages from returning to their homes in the border area. 

IDF spokesman Avichai Adraee shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), stating that civilians are prohibited from travelling south of an imaginary line connecting 10 Lebanese towns near the Israeli border, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The IDF further warned that those who move south of this line would be putting themselves at risk.

The Israeli army also released a list of more than 60 Lebanese villages where residents are banned from returning. This comes after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27. US President Joe Biden, who facilitated the deal, described it as a “permanent cessation of hostilities” and a step toward allowing civilians to safely return to areas impacted by the conflict along the Lebanese-Israeli border.

However, despite this diplomatic breakthrough, the IDF continued military operations against Hezbollah, and Hezbollah retaliated by shelling Israel.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed concern over the fragile nature of the ceasefire, highlighting ongoing violations, including shelling and airspace breaches. He stressed the need for Israel to adhere to international agreements and urged diplomatic pressure to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, on November 28, Israel released a report detailing its military actions against Hezbollah since October 8, 2023. The report stated that 1,600 Hezbollah headquarters and over 1,000 Hezbollah warehouses were targeted. The IDF claimed to have destroyed or confiscated over 155,000 weapons and pieces of special equipment, including missiles, launchers, mines, shells, drones, communication devices, and electronics.

The Israeli Air Force flew 14,000 hours and completed 11,000 combat sorties, while the Navy operated on the Lebanese front for 25,000 hours. The IDF also reported the deaths of 176 senior Hezbollah leaders, the elimination of around 3,500 militants, and the incapacitation of about 7,000 others.

Hezbollah began its attacks on Israel in October 2023, following a surprise offensive by Hamas in southern Israel, which triggered the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

By Tamilla Hasanova