Israel has issued a warning to residents displaced by fighting and evacuation orders in southern Lebanon, advising them not to return to their homes despite a ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah that came into effect early this morning.
The 60-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon specifies that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must completely withdraw from southern Lebanon. However, the withdrawal of troops back to Israel will not occur immediately.
The Israeli military's Arabic language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, stated on Wednesday that the IDF remains deployed in its positions inside southern Lebanon. Residents are explicitly prohibited from heading towards the villages that have been ordered to be evacuated or towards IDF forces in the area.
A senior US administration official mentioned on Tuesday that Israeli forces are required to withdraw from Lebanon within 60 days as per the terms of the agreement. During this period, Hezbollah fighters are also expected to retreat 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Israel-Lebanon border.