Lebanese army urges returnees in south to keep distance from Israeli forces

BEIRUT

The Lebanese Army urged residents returning to border towns in the south Wednesday to avoid approaching areas where Israeli forces are present after a cease-fire deal was reached.

The army command said in a statement that it urged citizens, “particularly in the districts of Tyre, Bint Jbeil, and Marjayoun, to comply with the directives of military units and avoid approaching areas where enemy Israeli forces are located."

It added that the warning was made "to ensure their safety, especially as they may be at risk of being fired upon by hostile forces."

A cease-fire deal took effect early Wednesday to end more than 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.​​​​​​​

Israel will withdraw forces south of the Blue Line in a phased manner while the Lebanese army will deploy forces in southern Lebanon within a period that does not exceed 60 days, according to the terms of the deal.

The deal between Israel and Lebanon took effect hours after US President Joe Biden said a proposal to end the conflict had been reached, amid hopes it would stop Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese towns and cities and end the year-long cross-border fighting.

More than 3,800 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon and north of 1 million displaced since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala