Israeli forces in Southern Lebanon shot dead 3 civilians and injured another 31 on Sunday afternoon as they were attempting to return to their homes. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that amongst the casualties, one person was killed in the village of Houla, another in Aitaroun, and a third person in Blida.
The Israeli Forces announced that the incident occurred after they would remain in southern Lebanon beyond the Sunday deadline, set in the US-brokered ceasefire deal to end last year’s conflict with Hezbollah. The reason given by the Israeli army was the incomplete application of the ceasefire agreement by the Lebanese state.
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The inhabitants defied orders to remain out of the area and walked back to their villages waving Hezbollah flags and pictures of fighters who died in the recent conflict. The Lebanese Army condemned Israel for its procrastination in withdrawing, while Hezbollah denounced the act as a contravention of the ceasefire.
Israeli forces did not immediately confirm the reported casualties. An Israeli Army spokesperson accused Hezbollah of trying to aggravate the situation, adding that they would soon inform residents about safe areas to return to.