Lebanese Military Enters Chamaa Following Israeli Troop Withdrawal

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A joint patrol of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL entered Chamaa following an Israeli withdrawal post-ceasefire agreement. Engineering teams will clear unexploded ordnance while Israeli forces continue artillery fire but promise a complete withdrawal in 25 days. French ministers are visiting to bolster diplomatic relations with the Lebanese military amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The Lebanese Armed Forces, alongside UNIFIL, have entered the town of Chamaa for the first time since a ceasefire was established over a month ago, following the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The Israeli military had previously occupied areas in the region and continues to demolish structures they allege are connected to Hezbollah. Israeli forces are gradually retreating, yet some remain, claiming a cabinet-defined deadline for complete withdrawal remains in effect.

Lebanese military personnel are positioned to clear illegal armaments in accordance with Resolution 1701 as they assume control over vacated areas. Engineering units are deployed to remove unexploded ordnance and evaluate safety conditions. Notably, the military had already conducted operations in Khiam prior to this latest entrance into Chamaa.

Despite the ongoing ceasefire, artillery bombardment by Israeli forces persists, impacting border areas and prompting established no-return zones for local residents. Meanwhile, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee cautioned that any civilian presence in designated unsafe zones presents substantial risk. In a troubling incident, Charbel Choufani sustained injury from Israeli fire while approaching his farm.

In a parallel development, French officials, Defenses Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, are engaged in diplomatic visits to southern Lebanon, receiving security briefings and observing military operations in collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have historically dictated security protocols along the Lebanese-Israeli border. Resolution 1701, passed following the 2006 conflict, mandated the disarmament of militias and the deployment of both Lebanese military and UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon. The withdrawal of Israeli troops is crucial to establishing lasting peace and security within the volatile region, which remains marked by sporadic violence and military presence, despite the formal ceasefire.

The entrance of the Lebanese Armed Forces into Chamaa marks a significant milestone following the Israeli withdrawal, highlighting the ongoing efforts to restore security and stability in the region. As both Lebanese forces and UNIFIL engage in clearing operations and surveillance, the possibility of sustained peace hinges on the comprehensive adherence to ceasefire agreements. Meanwhile, the threat of violence remains real, as illustrated by the ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli military and incidents of cross-border aggression.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com

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