Israeli Army Warns Southern Residents Upon Their Return to Some Villages
Citizens gathering to return to their villages in southern Lebanon on Februray 2, 2025. ©Al Markazia

On Sunday noon, the Lebanese army opened the first fence at the Deir Mimas border to allow residents to enter Kfar Kila. Large numbers of residents also crossed the Wadi Al-Hujair.

Meanwhile, earthen barriers at the entrance of Aitaroun toward Bint Jbeil were also removed.

In the morning, the people of southern Lebanon gathered at the entrance of Kfar Kila as they prepared to enter their villages.

Meanwhile, Israeli army forces opened fire on residents returning to the town of Yaroun, in an attempt to prevent them from going back. The Israeli army also opened fire toward a gathering of residents at the entrance of Odaisseh.

Israeli soldiers kidnapped two fishermen, M.J. and A.J., in the Ras el-Abiad area off the town of Naqoura. The latter was released, while the former remains in custody.

In this context, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an “urgent” announcement on Sunday morning, addressing the people of Lebanon, particularly those in the south, warning that anyone moving southward would be putting themselves in danger.  

In a post on X, he stated that the Israeli army “does not intend to harm you. For your safety, you are prohibited from returning to your homes in the concerned areas until further notice. The implementation period of the agreement has been extended, and the army remains deployed in the field, making movement southward forbidden.”  

Later, Adraee issued a second warning, stating, “As you know, the Israeli army has recently repositioned itself in various locations in southern Lebanon in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. This move aims to enable the gradual deployment of the Lebanese army and the dismantling and removal of Hezbollah's personnel and infrastructure from southern Lebanon. I remind you that the agreement period has been extended, and Israeli forces remain deployed on the ground. The deployment process is occurring gradually, and in some sectors, it is delayed and requires more time to ensure Hezbollah cannot reestablish its presence on the ground.”  

He added, “In the near future, we will continue this approach and will inform you about the areas where you can return. Until then, we ask you to wait and not allow Hezbollah to exploit you in an attempt to cover up the devastating consequences of its irresponsible decisions at the expense of Lebanon’s security. Until further notice, all previously issued instructions remain in effect.”  

 

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