In a defiant televised address, Sheikh Naim Qassem, leader of Hezbollah, dismissed any possibility of extending Israel’s deadline to withdraw from southern Lebanon, deeming such an extension “unjustified” and accusing Israel of ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement.
“The agreement’s deadline expired on Sunday, and there is no reason for any extension,” Qassem declared.
He emphasized that Hezbollah had exercised restraint despite Israel’s alleged violations, which he claimed numbered 1,350 since the ceasefire took effect.
This restraint, he noted, was in response to a direct request from Lebanese authorities for patience.
The situation in southern Lebanon has grown increasingly dire, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting a sharp rise in casualties.
According to official data, Israeli forces killed at least 24 people and injured at least 141 others on Sunday and Monday, as thousands of displaced residents attempted to return to their homes in areas ravaged by conflict.
Sheikh Qassem laid the blame for any further escalation squarely on the international community and Israel.
“Any consequences of the withdrawal’s delay will be the responsibility of the United Nations, the United States, France, and the Israeli entity,” he said.
Hezbollah’s leadership underscored their commitment to resisting what they referred to as the “occupation,” asserting that the group reserves the right to take necessary actions should the withdrawal continue to face delays.
This rhetoric reflects Hezbollah’s long-standing position as both a political and militant force in Lebanon, with significant influence in the country’s southern regions.
The ceasefire violations and civilian casualties have raised concerns over the fragile state of the region, with tensions escalating amid the humanitarian crisis faced by displaced Lebanese citizens.
While international powers have called for calm and a resolution to the standoff, Hezbollah’s warnings signal the potential for renewed hostilities if the withdrawal is not completed promptly.
The situation remains critical, as Lebanon grapples with the delicate balance between maintaining peace and addressing the grievances of its southern communities.