On February 17, 2025, an Israeli airstrike in Sidon, Lebanon, killed one individual just before a truce deadline in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hizbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun appealed for international pressure on Israel to withdraw its troops by the agreed date, amidst escalating tensions and military actions in the region, including additional airstrikes by Israel targeting Hizbollah sites.
On February 17, 2025, Lebanese official media reported that an Israeli airstrike in Sidon resulted in the death of one individual shortly before a truce deadline. This incident occurred amidst ongoing negotiations for a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hizbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged international mediators to pressure Israel for a complete troop withdrawal by the imminent deadline.
The National News Agency of Lebanon announced that emergency responders had retrieved a body from a vehicle that was struck by the airstrike. Investigations are currently underway to identify the individual targeted in the attack. A witness noted that soldiers and first responders were seen assessing the wreckage of the vehicle following the strike.
A ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-aligned militant group Hizbollah had been established since November 27, ending over a year of hostilities, including a significant period of warfare. The agreement stipulated a mutual withdrawal, with Lebanese forces along with UN peacekeepers to occupy the southern region as Israeli forces withdrew.
In his statements, President Aoun indicated ongoing efforts to assure Israel honors the ceasefire agreement and adheres to the scheduled timeline for withdrawal. He urged the sponsors of the deal to fulfill their obligations in assisting Lebanon during this critical phase. Aoun remarked, “We are continuing contacts on several levels to push Israel to respect the agreement…”.
Hizbollah’s leadership, particularly Naim Qassem, emphasized the government’s duty to ensure the Israeli military fully retreats by the agreed-upon deadline. In previous communications, Lebanon’s parliamentary speaker expressed that the United States indicated a partial withdrawal would occur, suggesting Israel would maintain presence in select locations even after the deadline.
On the same day, Israel confirmed conducting airstrikes targeting Hizbollah installations in Lebanon, amidst reports of civilian casualties from the conflict. Observers have raised concerns over the implications of these ongoing military actions, with Human Rights Watch noting significant destruction of civilian infrastructure, complicating any potential return for displaced residents.
Karim Bitar, a Middle East studies lecturer, suggested that an implicit agreement may persist among involved parties regarding the extension of the withdrawal period, allowing Israel to retain strategic military advantages in southern Lebanon. He commented on the likely scenario involving ongoing Israeli control over key elevations overseeing local villages.
Given the ongoing hostilities and the precarious nature of the ceasefire, the region remains in tension, marking a critical juncture for diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in southern Lebanon.
In summary, an Israeli airstrike in Sidon, Lebanon, resulted in civilian death on the eve of a critical ceasefire deadline. Ongoing diplomatic efforts are being made by Lebanese officials to ensure Israel’s compliance with troop withdrawal agreements. Amidst the backdrop of renewed military actions and humanitarian concerns, the situation remains complex and volatile, demanding careful attention from international mediators.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
