Key Highlights:

• At least 22 people killed and over 124 injured as Israeli forces open fire on returning residents in southern Lebanon.
• The ceasefire deal that was to see Israeli troops withdraw has now been extended to February 18.
• Lebanese officials blame Israel for the violence, asserting the military is not adhering to the ceasefire agreement.

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah faced significant strain on January 26, 2025, as Israeli forces in southern Lebanon opened fire on protesters trying to return to their homes, resulting in at least 22 deaths and over 124 injuries, according to Lebanese health officials. This incident came on the day that served as a deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops as stipulated in a ceasefire agreement reached in late November, which temporarily halted the conflict that had resulted in extensive casualties and displacement throughout Lebanon.

In response to the ongoing violence, the White House announced that the deadline for Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon will now extend to February 18, 2025. This extension was necessitated by Israel's claims that the Lebanese army had not adequately deployed to prevent the reestablishing of Hezbollah's military presence in the region. These developments intensified the cycle of violence as protests erupted in recognition of what many see as a blatant infraction of Lebanese sovereignty.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the Israeli military actions, affirming that “Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.” He urged the population to trust the Lebanese Armed Forces, which have been perceived as unable to secure the area effectively until Israeli forces withdraw. As Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri emphasized, the bloodshed is a clarion call for the international community to compel Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories.

As concerns grow over potential unrest in the region, the situation represents a challenging crucible for the Lebanese government, struggling to assert authority amid ongoing regional tensions. The U.N. and other international observers continue to call for both sides to respect the agreement, emphasizing the need for stability in a region still grappling with the aftermath of previous conflicts.

For more detailed coverage, please refer to the original articles from India Times, BBC, and AP News.