"Israeli" airstrike hits southern Lebanon days ahead of ceasefire deadline

An "Israeli" drone carried out an airstrike targeting Kfar Kila neighborhood in the village of Marjayoun, located in southern Lebanon, on Saturday, just days before the deadline for the ceasefire agreement.

Ambulances rushed to the scene, but no casualties were reported.

A ceasefire agreement has been in effect in Lebanon since Nov. 27, which stipulated a 60-day timeline for "Israeli" forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for increased deployments by the Lebanese Army and United Nations forces.

In return, the Lebanese resistance group, Hezbollah, is required to withdraw from the area south of the Litani River and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure.

On Thursday, Lebanon informed the US mediator of its firm rejection of "Israel’s" demand to maintain troops at five points in southern Lebanon after the ceasefire deadline of Feb. 18. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri confirmed this rejection.

Berri said, "The Americans informed me that "Israel" would withdraw on Feb. 18 from the villages it still occupies, but it will remain at five points."

He continued, "I informed them, on behalf of the President and the Prime Minister, of our absolute rejection of this," and added, "I rejected any discussion about extending the withdrawal period. It is the responsibility of the Americans to enforce the withdrawal."