BEIRUT: The Lebanese army on Thursday accused Israel of violating a ceasefire since it went into effect the previous day after more than 13 months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
“The Israeli enemy violated the deal several times,” the army said, citing air strikes and attacks on Lebanese territory with “various weapons”.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military also said its air force struck a facility used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Thursday.
Israel said it fired towards what it called “suspects” with vehicles arriving at several areas in the southern zone, saying it was a breach of the truce with Hezbollah.
“The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages”, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah told reporters.
According to Labanon’s health ministry, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 3,961 people and injured 16,520 others since October 2023.
Announcing the Lebanon accord on Tuesday US President Joe Biden said that the peace deal involves Israeli forces withdrawing from Lebanon over 60 days, with the Lebanese army taking control of territory in the south of the country.
The Israel-Hezbollah deal was a rare boost for Biden as he prepares to leave the White House and hand over to Donald Trump on January 20.
Biden said the United States, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and Israel would make another push for a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel is still at war with Hamas since October 7, 2023.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that the agreement can help to an end to the violence, destruction and suffering of the people.
“The Secretary-General urges the parties to fully respect and swiftly implement all of their commitments made under this agreement,” the statement noted.
