On a recent evening, an Israeli air strike targeted a vehicle in the village of Froun, located in southern Lebanon. This area is predominantly Shia and has long been influenced by Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militia and political party. The strike occurred despite an existing ceasefire treaty that had been established the previous November to end hostilities, with Israel continuing air operations nearly daily since then.
Witnesses reported there was one fatality in the air strike, a man the Israeli military later identified as a “Hezbollah terrorist.” Community member Mohamad Mokdad expressed distress over the ongoing violence, highlighting the destruction left in the aftermath of the attack. He stated, “I just want to live in peace,” reflecting a desire shared by many in the village, even as they navigate the complex dynamics around Hezbollah.
Israel claims its operations are targeted at undermining Hezbollah’s military capabilities in the wake of the significant losses the group suffered during previous conflicts. The ceasefire had stipulated the removal of Hezbollah’s fighters from southern regions and mandated a withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories. However, reports indicate Israel has conducted numerous military operations since the ceasefire, with concerns from communities that they remain under siege.
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, noted thousands of reported violations of the ceasefire by Israel and documented civilian casualties. Israeli officials suggest that Hezbollah’s attempts to reinforce its military infrastructure in the south constitute a violation of the truce.
Community sentiments are shifting, with some expressing ambivalence toward Hezbollah’s role in the conflict. Local figures advocate for a reassessment of the militant group’s influence, suggesting that continued hostilities may not be sustainable for many residents, who are seeking stability in an increasingly fractured environment.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdd560nvqqdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss