Beirut – Saba:
In a scene reminiscent of the 2000 liberation, residents of southern Lebanon returned to their villages and towns today following the expiration of the 60-day deadline set by the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon on November 27.
According to Al-Manar, the sacrifices of martyrs in the southern border villages bore fruit as the victory over the Zionist enemy, which launched a 66-day aggression, was realized today. Southern Lebanese citizens affirmed their unwavering commitment to resistance, vowing to continue on this path regardless of the sacrifices.
As residents entered their towns, they chanted slogans in support of the resistance, defying warnings from the occupation forces. Early Sunday morning marked the end of the 60 days for the withdrawal of Zionist forces from southern occupied areas under a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire agreement, based on UN Resolution 1701.
Residents insisted on reaching their areas, crossing Lebanese Army checkpoints either by car or on foot. The occupation forces responded with gunfire, resulting in several casualties, including a Lebanese Army soldier. Despite the obstacles, residents of villages such as Talousa, Markaba, and Bani Hayyan gathered in Wadi Al-Salouqi at dawn and proceeded to their towns, which had endured relentless aggression during the truce.
Al-Manar reported that after intensive negotiations and coordination between municipal leaders, the Lebanese Army, and local figures, a decision was made to facilitate entry into towns like Aytaroun, Yaroun, and Blida on Monday morning while residents remained near their borders.
Earlier today, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 15 civilian deaths and 83 injuries due to Zionist aggression. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army confirmed the death of one soldier and the injury of another in separate incidents near Mays Al-Jabal and Marwahin.
Residents also entered the western areas of Naqoura, Alma Al-Shaab, and liberated towns such as Al-Bayyada, Shema, and Tahrarfa. In Marwahin, occupation forces opened fire on residents, particularly in the Umm Al-Tout area, while also targeting those heading to Al-Dhahira with gunfire and dropping bombs near civilians without causing injuries.
From early morning, residents of Mays Al-Jabal and Houla entered their towns on foot, overcoming Lebanese Army checkpoints and Zionist bulldozers that had blocked roads the previous day. Despite gunfire and shelling by Zionist forces, residents continued to flock to their border towns, including Mays Al-Jabal, Houla, and Markaba.
In another development, the Lebanese Army opened the main road between Al-Tayri and Bint Jbeil after negotiations with residents demanding access to Aita Al-Shaab. In towns like Bourj Al-Moulouk, Kfar Kila, and Houla, several civilians were killed or injured due to Zionist gunfire.
In Aytaroun, clashes with occupation forces caused multiple injuries, forcing the enemy to retreat to the town's eastern outskirts. In Maroun Al-Ras, southern residents stood defiantly before Zionist tanks, holding midday prayers near the border embankments in full view of enemy soldiers.
The golden equation of “Army, People, Resistance” was evident in the unity displayed by the Lebanese Army and its residents. Despite the challenging terrain leading to southern towns, including steep roads, residents—women and children included—continued their determined return to their homes.
Yesterday, Zionist bulldozers blocked the main roads to southern villages in an attempt to prevent the residents' return, but these efforts failed to deter them.
In Al-Khiam, dozens of vehicles and crowds of residents entered the town after the ceasefire deadline expired. The town, which witnessed fierce battles during the resistance against the Zionist enemy, stood as a symbol of defiance and resilience.
Since October 7, 2023, Lebanon has endured hundreds of Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas, escalating into a full-scale aggression on September 23, 2024, lasting 66 days. Today, Zionist forces fired on an RT news team in Maroun Al-Ras, injuring transmission engineer Hussein Khalil, while journalist Hussein Ayad narrowly escaped. RT's Moscow office wished both journalists a speedy recovery.
The Lebanese Army facilitated residents' return to towns such as Aita Al-Shaab, Bint Jbeil, Deir Siryan, Adchit Al-Qasir, Al-Taybeh, and Al-Qantara. Despite repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty by the Zionist enemy, including attacks on civilians and refusal to honor the ceasefire agreement, residents remain steadfast in their determination to reclaim their land.
The Lebanese Army called on citizens to exercise restraint and follow military directives to ensure their safety.
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