Kathmandu— Lebanon’s government has formally accused Israel of deliberately targeting homes and civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon, alleging serious violations of international law amid an increasingly precarious ceasefire agreement. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated on Wednesday that Israeli “attacks, incursions, demolitions and the systematic destruction of homes” constitute a breach of both international and humanitarian laws. The accusations come as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited southern Lebanon to declare continued operations targeting underground infrastructure and residential buildings, while also asserting no intention to withdraw from occupied zones in Lebanon, Syria or Gaza.

Escalating Tensions and Accusations

Prime Minister Salam refuted Israel’s justification for the destruction of villages, stating that claims they housed military sites “does not stand up to any logic” and cannot excuse the displacement of residents. This followed comments from Israeli Defense Minister Katz who confirmed ongoing operations aimed at destroying infrastructure and homes in southern Lebanon. On August 5th, Israel launched strikes on Mansouri following an alleged ceasefire violation by Hezbollah which resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers near Majdal Zoun; this prompted evacuation orders for Mansouri residents – the first such order in weeks – and a subsequent attack that killed one person and wounded eleven.

Ceasefire Framework Under Strain

The current situation stems from conflict initiated on March 2nd when Hezbollah, aligned with Iran, launched attacks on northern Israel. A US-mediated ceasefire began on April 17th, but Israeli forces have continued attacks and maintain occupation of dozens of villages in southern Lebanon without a set withdrawal timeline. The framework for the truce, agreed upon in Washington in June, envisioned a gradual Israeli withdrawal contingent on the deployment of the Lebanese army and Hezbollah’s disarmament – a condition that remains unfulfilled.

Humanitarian Impact and Displacement

Lebanese authorities report that Israeli strikes and ground operations since March have resulted in 4,333 deaths and displaced over one million people, representing roughly twenty percent of Lebanon’s population. These figures continue to rise despite the nominal ceasefire agreement. The scale of displacement highlights the severe humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict.

US Aid Package Proposed

In Washington, two US senators have proposed a $1.2 billion security assistance package for Lebanon over five years. However, this funding is contingent upon progress regarding state control over weapons and Hezbollah’s disarmament, underscoring the link between post-war stability and the resolution of the ongoing political and military standoff.

Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, mediated by the US, have taken place in Washington and Rome but have yet to yield a lasting solution. Hezbollah has indicated it will withdraw south of the Litani River but refuses complete disarmament.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.