Lebanon says 22 protesters killed by Israeli forces after withdrawal deadline missed
Lebanon says 22 protesters killed by Israeli forces after withdrawal deadline missed
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Israeli forces in southern Lebanon opened fire on protesters demanding their withdrawal on Sunday, killing at least 22, Lebanese health officials said. Under a deal reached between Israel and Hezbollah in November, Israeli forces were due to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 90 days.
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But Israel said it cannot do so, because the Lebanese Army had not deployed forces to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its presence in the area. Demonstrators, some of them carrying Hezbollah flags, attempted to enter several villages in the border area, with around 120 injured when Israeli forces opened fire, Lebanese health officials said.
The Israeli army blamed Hezbollah for stirring up Sunday's protests. It said in a statement that its troops fired warning shots to "remove threats in a number of areas where suspects were identified approaching". It added that a number of suspects in proximity to Israeli troops were apprehended and were being questioned.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in a statement on Sunday that "Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, and I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity". He urged them to "exercise self-restraint and trust in the Lebanese Armed Forces".
Separately on Sunday, thousands of Palestinians were prevented from returning to their homes after Israel accused Hamas of violating a fragile ceasefire by changing the order of hostages it has released. Under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Israel on Saturday was to begin allowing Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza.
