Israel's truce with Hezbollah and Hamas once again in doubt

The Israeli Army says its forces will stay at five strategic locations in southern Lebanon following Tuesday's deadline for their withdrawal under the ceasefire reached with the militant group Hezbollah, after the Lebanon government voiced disappointment over further delays.

A special ceasefire in Gaza was also in doubt, while 500 days were filled by the start of fighting between Israel and Hamas, while Israel and the United States sent conflicting signals if they want the ceasefire to continue. Talks on the second phase of the ceasefire have not begun yet.

Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nada Shoshan said the five locations in Lebanon offer favourable points, or face communities in northern Israel, where about 60,000 Israelis are still displaced. He said the “provisional measures” was approved by the US-led task force for monitoring the ceasefire, which was previously extended by three weeks.

Under the deal, Israeli forces must withdraw from a middle zone in southern Lebanon, which will be patrolled by the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers. The truce has been held since entry into force in November.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told reporters that the ceasefire “should be respected”, saying the Israeli enemy “cannot be trusted”. He said Lebanese officials were working on diplomatic roads for the withdrawal. Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem said on Sunday that “could not have excuses” for the delay beyond last Tuesday's deadline. / VOA