🚧 Tensions are rising along the Lebanon-Israel border as thousands of displaced residents face roadblocks – literally – in returning home. The Israeli military has ordered Lebanese civilians not to re-enter villages near the border, citing \"danger\" and posting a detailed no-go zone map on X (formerly Twitter). This comes after Israel delayed its troop withdrawal from south Lebanon, claiming ceasefire terms weren't fully met.
💥 The standoff feels like a real-world sequel to last year's conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah. Under a US/France-brokered deal, both sides had 60 days to exit the area – a deadline that expired Sunday. But Israeli tanks and bulldozers are still rolling, with UN peacekeepers reporting sudden roadblocks that resemble something out of Mad Max.
🗺️ The banned zone stretches 2-10 km from the border, affecting dozens of villages. 'Anyone moving south of this line risks their life,' Israel warned. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told French leader Emmanuel Macron that Israel's actions – including bulldozing land and destroying homes – are sabotaging peace efforts.
⚖️ UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) are caught in the middle, tracking unusual troop movements. Lebanon accuses Israel of foot-dragging on withdrawals, while Israel claims security guarantees haven't been met. With 300,000+ displaced during last year's clashes, this new delay adds fuel to the fire. As one local told reporters: 'We just want to rebuild – but how?'
