Israel Shells Southern Lebanon with White Phosphorus: Ceasefire Violations and Expansion Reported

Lebanon - Ekhbary News Agency

An RT correspondent reported that the village of Yahmar al-Shaqif in southern Lebanon was subjected to intense Israeli white phosphorus shelling on Tuesday evening. This dangerous escalation represents a clear violation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in the region, raising widespread concerns about the stability of the truce and its repercussions on civilians.

Ceasefire Violations and Israeli Expansion

The shelling comes amidst the Israeli army's continued presence and expansion within border villages in southern Lebanon. Reports indicate that Israel is exploiting the ceasefire period to extend its control over areas it had not occupied before the truce came into effect last Thursday-Friday midnight. This policy, according to sources, aims to increase systematic destruction and forced displacement, in a clear attempt to establish a buffer zone along the Lebanese border.

The Israeli army issued an urgent message to residents of southern Lebanon, reiterating its continued deployment in its southern positions during the truce. It also warned residents against moving south of specified villages and their surroundings until further notice, prohibiting approach to the Litani River area, Wadi al-Salhani, and Wadi al-Saluqi. The prohibition also included crossing or returning to a large number of villages in the region, including: Al-Bayada, Shama, Tyre Harfa, Abu Shash, Al-Jubain, Naqoura, Dhahira, Matmoura, Yaroun, Al-Jubain, Umm Tutah, Al-Zaloutiya, Bustan, Shihine, Marwahin, Ramyah (Bint Jbeil), Beit Leif, Salhana, Ayta al-Shaab, Hanin, Al-Tiri, Rashaf, Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Bint Jbeil, Ainata, Kunin, Aitaroun, Blida, Muhaibib, Mays al-Jabal, Qalaat Daba, Houla, Markaba, Talousa, Bani Hayyan, Rab al-Thalathin, Adayssa (Marjayoun), Kafr Kila, Taybeh (Marjayoun), Deir Siryan, Qantara, Alman (Marjayoun), Adshit al-Qasir, Al-Qasir, Maysat, Labouna, Iskandaroun, Shama, Jajim, Dhahira, Yaroun, Khirbet al-Kaseef, Deir Siryan, Khiam, Salib, Mazraat Sarda, Majidiya.

Impact of Shelling and Regional Responses

A video documented the massive destruction left by Israeli bombardments in the town of Beit Leif in southern Lebanon, highlighting the scale of potential material and human losses from these operations. Conversely, Hebrew media reported on Tuesday evening that Hezbollah launched several rockets towards Israeli forces in the town of Rab al-Thalathin in southern Lebanon, indicating immediate reactions to Israeli aggressions. Israeli air defenses were also activated after sirens blared in two settlements near the Lebanese border, according to Channel 12.

On the political front, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated from Luxembourg that "the option of diplomacy is not weakness but an expression of national responsibility, and we are moving towards a permanent, not symbolic, solution," referring to his country's efforts to establish stability and seek peaceful resolutions. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, for his part, described Israel's actions in Lebanon as "totally unacceptable" ahead of his meeting with EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, reflecting growing international concern over the situation.

Growing Lebanese Anxiety

An RT team in Beirut monitored the extent of damage in the southern suburbs due to continued Israeli violations of the truce, through shelling various areas, causing a state of anxiety among the Lebanese public regarding a renewed war. This concern is escalating with ongoing violations and Israeli expansion, threatening to undermine the fragile ceasefire agreement and push the region towards further escalation. All eyes remain on field developments and diplomatic efforts to contain the situation and prevent the region from sliding into a wider conflict.