Israeli drone attack kills 1 in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire deal

Just one day after Israeli forces largely withdrew from the southern Lebanese border region, a car was struck by an Israeli drone, resulting in at least one fatality. This incident has once again raised concerns about the fragile peace in the area. Such actions underscore the volatile situation and the potential for renewed conflict.

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that on Wednesday, "an enemy drone targeted a car in the town of Aitaroun." According to a verification by Al Jazeera's fact-checking unit, Sanad, the victim was Youssef Muhammad Srour, the son of the town's mayor, who was sitting in his car in front of his house at the time of the attack. The circumstances surrounding the attack are still being investigated, and the incident has sparked outrage in the community.

Prior to this, NNA also reported another incident in the Wazzani area, where Israeli forces fired upon residents who were "inspecting" local restaurants and cafes, resulting in one injury. Additionally, Israeli forces reportedly fired shots at houses near the town of Shebaa. These incidents highlight the continued tensions and the potential for escalation along the border.

A ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024 had previously ended over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, including a two-month full-scale war, during which relentless Israeli bombing caused over 4,000 deaths, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Under the agreement, the Lebanese army was to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers, while Israeli forces would withdraw over a period of 60 days (later extended to February 18). Hezbollah was to retreat north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle remaining military infrastructure in the south.

As the deadline approached, Israel announced that it would temporarily maintain a military presence at "five strategic points" near the border. The Israeli military claimed that these hilltops overlooked the border and that the troop presence was to "ensure there is no direct threat"—an assertion disputed by Lebanon. On Wednesday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun told visiting US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz that it was necessary to end the Israeli presence in the country to complete the ceasefire agreement, adding that Lebanon would consider any Israeli troops on its territory as an "occupation." The UN has stated that Israel's incomplete withdrawal violates UN Security Council resolutions. Prime Minister Netanyahu had warned in November that Israel would maintain "full freedom of military action" if the ceasefire agreement was violated.

Israel's refusal to withdraw all of its forces has introduced further uncertainty into the already fragile ceasefire agreement. Evidence suggests that Israel has violated the ceasefire on multiple occasions, launching sporadic attacks. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) recorded 330 Israeli airstrikes and artillery bombardments between November 27 and January 10, resulting in the destruction of 260 properties. These actions raise concerns about the long-term viability of the ceasefire and the potential for a return to full-scale conflict.