The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health pointed out on the 26th that Israel fired upon a group of Lebanese people trying to return to southern Lebanon, resulting in 22 deaths and over 124 injuries.
Following the incident, UNIFIL Commander Del Col and UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Plasschaert issued a joint statement saying that the villages along the Israel-Lebanon interim boundary, the "Blue Line," are currently not safe for returnees. Many Lebanese communities will face a long road to recovery and reconstruction, urging residents to remain cautious.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun also issued a statement urging citizens to remain calm, rely on the military for safe return, and expressed confidence in the Lebanese Armed Forces in defending security and sovereignty.
The Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Lebanon Extended to February 18
On the other hand, the White House issued a brief statement on the 26th indicating that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon will be extended until February 18.
The statement mentioned that the governments of Lebanon, Israel, and the United States will also begin negotiations on the issue of releasing Lebanese individuals detained after October 7, 2023.
The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement came into effect on November 27, 2024. According to the agreement, Hezbollah and all Lebanese armed groups commit not to launch any attacks on Israel, while Israel will stop military strikes within Lebanon. The Israeli military will gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, with the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces being the entities authorized to carry weapons or deploy forces in southern Lebanon. According to the agreement, the 60-day period should end on January 26, 2025.