On February 17, 2025, an Israeli strike in Sidon killed one person as a ceasefire deadline approached between Israel and Hizbollah. Lebanese President Aoun called for international pressure on Israel for troop withdrawal. The ceasefire, established in late 2023, requires coordination between Lebanese and UN forces alongside the withdrawal, which has been complicated by ongoing strikes and civilian casualties.
On February 17, 2025, Lebanese official media reported that an Israeli airstrike in Sidon killed one individual, occurring just before a critical ceasefire deadline between Israel and Hizbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged international stakeholders to compel Israel to withdraw its troops by the approaching deadline. First responders examined the charred remains of a vehicle allegedly struck in the incident and are working to identify the deceased.
The ongoing ceasefire, established on November 27, 2023, was initiated after a prolonged conflict that included a war with significant ground operations by Israel. Per the agreement, Lebanon’s military was set to collaborate with United Nations peacekeepers in the south while Israeli forces conducted a phased withdrawal, which was slated to conclude by February 18, 2025. Hizbollah was also expected to retreat behind the Litani River and dismantle military assets within the southern region.
President Aoun indicated that discussions are ongoing to ensure compliance from Israel regarding the withdrawal and the release of detainees. He emphasized the need for international sponsors of the peace agreement to uphold their obligations. The deal includes a committee comprised of representatives from the United States, France, Lebanon, Israel, and UN peacekeepers to monitor any potential ceasefire violations.
Despite assertions from Hizbollah leadership that Israel would be obligated to withdraw, reports revealed Israeli military actions in Lebanon targeting Hizbollah installations. Furthermore, Israeli gunfire resulted in civilian casualties in Hula on the same day. Observations from Karim Bitar at Sciences-Po university suggested complicity among U.S. officials in potentially extending the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal, predicting that Israel may retain control over strategic terrain.
Ramzi Kaiss from Human Rights Watch criticized Israel’s approach, highlighting the significant damage to civilian infrastructure, which has obstructed residents’ ability to return home. This commentary follows Israel’s series of military strikes in various regions of Lebanon and corroborates fears of ongoing instability in the area.
The reported Israeli strike resulting in a fatality in Sidon coincides with heightened tensions surrounding a frail ceasefire agreement. With international efforts aimed at ensuring Israeli compliance for troop withdrawal, concerns remain about the viability of returning displaced residents to their homes due to ongoing hostilities and infrastructure destruction. Oversight by a dedicated committee to monitor ceasefire adherence raises additional questions about the future stability of the region.
Original Source: www.jordantimes.com
