Hezbollah’s Qassem warns of end to patience over Israeli cease-fire violations
A man checks the site of an Israeli airstrike the previous night in Beirut's southern Hareik Hreik neighbourhood on November 22, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. (Photo by AFP)
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem warned Saturday that the group’s patience regarding Israeli violations of the cease-fire agreement “might run out” and pledged that any action would be swift.
In a televised speech, Qassem responded to critics of Hezbollah’s silence, stating that the group’s leadership would determine the timing and method of any response.
“Our patience might run out … and when we decide to act, you will see it immediately,” he said.
Hezbollah emphasized that the cease-fire agreement applies only to areas south of the Litani River, with the Lebanese state and its sponsors responsible for ensuring Israel’s compliance.
Under the terms of the cease-fire, Israel is to withdraw forces south of the Blue Line, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.
UN accuses Israel of violating cease-fire
Meanwhile, U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon accused Israel Saturday of a “flagrant violation” of the 2006 Security Council resolution that forms the basis of its November cease-fire with Hezbollah.
The peacekeeping force stated it had observed an Israeli military bulldozer destroying a blue barrel marking the withdrawal line between Lebanon and Israel in Labbouneh, as well as an observation tower belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces near a UNIFIL position. The action was deemed a “deliberate and direct destruction of both UNIFIL property and Lebanese Armed Forces infrastructure.”
“This is a flagrant violation of Resolution 1701 and international law,” UNIFIL stated, urging all parties to refrain from actions that could threaten the cease-fire.
The 1701 resolution, adopted on Aug. 11, 2006, calls for a halt to hostilities and a weapons-free zone in southern Lebanon, except for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL peacekeepers.
Since Israel’s offensive against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, the Lebanese Health Ministry has reported at least 4,063 deaths, including women, children, and health workers, with over 16,600 others injured.
