WANA (Jan 27) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, strongly condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanese civilians who were returning to their homes following the end of the 60-day withdrawal deadline for Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

 

Baghaei highlighted the regime’s repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement over the past two months, labeling the recent assault as a blatant war crime, a severe breach of humanitarian law, and the height of Israel’s betrayal of commitments. He also emphasized the responsibility of the United States and France, as guarantors of the ceasefire, for holding Israel accountable.

 

Baghaei stated that the continued presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon constitutes an ongoing violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He called on the UN Security Council and the UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) to take effective measures to end the aggression and ensure accountability for the violations.

 

Reaffirming Iran’s full support for the Lebanese government, people and resistance against Israeli expansionism, Baghaei praised the resilience and courage of the Lebanese people. He also paid tribute to the “martyrs” of the resistance, including those who lost their lives in Sunday’s attack, and wished a swift recovery for the injured.

 

The 60-day deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stipulated in a ceasefire agreement, expired at 4 a.m. local time on Sunday. However, as Lebanese civilians returned to their homes, Israeli forces violated the ceasefire, killing 22 Lebanese citizens and injuring dozens more.

 

In response, the White House announced on Monday that the withdrawal deadline had been extended to February 18, allowing Israeli forces to remain in southern Lebanon for an additional period.