Ceasefire Violations
Ceasefire violations refer to incidents where conflicting parties fail to uphold agreements designed to halt hostilities, often reigniting violence and complicating peace efforts. Such violations can take various forms, including strategic breaches ordered by leadership, retaliatory strikes in response to enemy actions, unauthorized military maneuvers by subordinate factions, or even accidental incidents. In recent times, areas like Gaza have witnessed a disturbing trend of ceasefire violations, especially following ceasefire agreements meant to stabilize conflict zones. For example, recent reports highlight over 1,000 violations attributed to Israel since a ceasefire was established with Hamas, illustrating the precarious nature of such agreements. The relevance of monitoring ceasefire violations is underscored by the humanitarian crises they exacerbate, leading to significant civilian casualties and obstructing vital aid. The United Nations and various NGOs highlight how these breaches threaten not only immediate safety but also the broader goal of sustainable peace. Conflict monitoring strategies are essential in these environments, allowing for accountability and informed responses to ongoing hostilities. The understanding of ceasefire violations is crucial as global conflicts intensify, with regulators emphasizing their impact on international law and humanitarian conditions. With nearly 300 million people reported to be in urgent need of assistance worldwide, the pressing need for adherence to ceasefire terms cannot be overstated.
How did Israel's restricted military zones in Lebanon change after the November 2024 ceasefire?
According to Al Jazeera's Sanad team investigation, Israel's restricted military zones in southern Lebanon nearly doubled in size just one day after the ceasefire took effect on November 27, 2024. On November 28, an Israeli military spokesman published a map showing new restricted zones that expanded from 160 square kilometers before the truce to 320 square kilometers afterward. This significant expansion directly contradicted the terms of the ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military also warned Lebanese residents against returning to their homes in these newly restricted areas, effectively preventing displaced civilians from returning despite the supposed truce being in effect.
Watch clip answer (00:45m)
Al Jazeera English
02:34 - 03:20
How has Israel violated the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah?
Al Jazeera's digital investigation team, Sanad, has uncovered a pattern of Israeli military activities that contradict the November 2024 ceasefire terms. According to their findings, Israel has failed to halt military operations in Lebanon and begin the promised gradual withdrawal from the south, as required by the 60-day truce agreement. The investigation reveals that Israeli forces have continued significant military activities despite the ceasefire, which officially began on November 27, 2024. These activities undermine the agreement's fundamental requirements, where Israel was supposed to stop military operations while Hezbollah and other armed groups halted attacks on Israel.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)
Al Jazeera English
00:00 - 00:39
How is Israel violating the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah that began on November 27, 2024?
Israel is violating the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah through three distinct patterns identified by Al Jazeera's Sanad team: military reinforcements instead of withdrawal, expansion into new territories, and continued destruction and demolition operations in southern Lebanon. A specific example is at El Hammamaz, a strategic hill overlooking the settlement of Metula, where video footage shows Israeli forces still stationed two days after the ceasefire took effect on November 27, 2024. This directly contradicts the withdrawal terms specified in the agreement, demonstrating Israel's failure to comply with the truce conditions.
Watch clip answer (00:53m)Al Jazeera English
00:39 - 01:32
How did Israel violate the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah?
According to Sanad's investigation, Israel violated the November 2024 ceasefire by continuing military operations in Lebanon despite agreeing to withdraw all troops within 60 days. Evidence shows Israeli forces conducting ground operations and aerial attacks in Lebanese territory after the agreement, including demolishing civilian structures in Banihayan village and a mosque on December 18. Israeli bulldozers were also documented constructing barriers in Wadi Saint Saluki, beyond their designated restricted zones, and satellite imagery revealed widespread demolition across southern Lebanon, particularly in Kfar Khila and Ait Al Shaab. Although the withdrawal deadline was January 26, 2025, Israel refused to comply, blaming Lebanon for not upholding its obligations.
Watch clip answer (02:02m)Al Jazeera English
03:27 - 05:29
How have Israeli forces violated the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon?
Israeli forces have violated the ceasefire agreement by failing to withdraw from El Hammamaz and obstructing Lebanese army access to the area, despite the agreement that began on November 27, 2024. Satellite imagery analyzed by Sanad revealed that rather than withdrawing, Israeli forces have expanded their military presence in the region. Evidence shows Israeli military constructed new infrastructure, including a road linking Natula to El Hammamaz and a paved area where civilian infrastructure has been replaced with military equipment and soldier accommodations. These developments directly contradict Israel's commitment to a full withdrawal, demonstrating ongoing military operations nearly a month after the ceasefire was established.
Watch clip answer (01:01m)Al Jazeera English
01:32 - 02:34
How has Israel responded to the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon?
Israel has violated the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon that was set to begin November 27, 2024. Despite an initial withdrawal deadline of January 26 that was extended to February 18, Israel has refused to remove its troops, blaming Lebanon for not upholding its side of the agreement. According to evidence investigated by Al Jazeera's Sanad team, Israel has chosen to violate the ceasefire rather than use it as a step toward de-escalation. The Israeli military continues operations in key areas, expanding territorially and demolishing civilian structures instead of withdrawing as agreed.
Watch clip answer (00:32m)Al Jazeera English
05:16 - 05:49