Conflict Recovery
What is the current status of Israeli troop withdrawal from South Lebanon?
The deadline for Israeli troops to withdraw from South Lebanon has expired, but Israel's military announced they will remain temporarily deployed at five strategic positions along the shared border. The withdrawal was part of a US-brokered ceasefire deal with Hezbollah from November, extended to February 18th. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel would do what is necessary to enforce the ceasefire terms. The Lebanese military was expected to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers as Israeli forces withdrew over the agreed 60-day period.
Watch clip answer (01:41m)
WION
00:00 - 01:42
What are the effects of the recent war in Lebanon and what challenges do residents face?
The two-month war caused heavy destruction across South Lebanon, East Lebanon, and South Beirut, areas considered Hezbollah strongholds. Thousands of displaced residents are eagerly waiting to return home to inspect their properties and, in some cases, search for deceased loved ones beneath the rubble. The devastation is so extensive that authorities estimate reconstruction costs could exceed $10 billion. Despite the overwhelming destruction, residents remain determined to return and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their communities and lives in the aftermath of the conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:31m)WION
00:57 - 01:28
Why do Lebanese residents distrust Israel's announced withdrawal from southern Lebanon?
Lebanese residents distrust Israel based on past experiences during ceasefire violations, where Israeli forces penetrated territories and caused significant damage. The speaker emphasizes that Israel is considered an enemy that cannot be trusted based on historical precedent. The resident insists any legitimate withdrawal must be complete, with no soldiers remaining in southern Lebanon. There are concerns that Israel might maintain control over certain areas, effectively occupying southern Lebanon similar to what happened with the Golan. Instead, the speaker expresses confidence in Lebanon's own institutions, including their army and president, to maintain sovereignty.
Watch clip answer (00:33m)WION
02:00 - 02:34
How did Sheikh Hasina characterize the police response during the Bangladesh protests?
Sheikh Hasina strongly defended the police actions during the protests, rejecting claims that many people were killed due to police firing. According to the ousted Prime Minister, police officers demonstrated 'maximum restraint' and only took action when they themselves were attacked. Hasina framed the deaths of policemen during the July-August student protests as part of a larger coordinated effort to destabilize Bangladesh. She further accused Mohammed Yunus of protecting those responsible for violence, suggesting the unrest was politically motivated rather than a legitimate protest movement.
Watch clip answer (00:23m)
WION
00:18 - 00:41
How does the Lebanese official view Israel in the context of the current conflict?
The Lebanese official expresses an unequivocal stance toward Israel, stating directly that 'Israel is an enemy and we can't trust it.' This statement reflects the deep-seated distrust and antagonistic relationship between Lebanon and Israel following the recent conflict and expiration of the withdrawal deadline for Israeli troops from South Lebanon. This perspective is shared against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire deal with Hezbollah and widespread devastation across eastern Lebanon with reconstruction costs estimated at over $10 billion. The official's statement underscores the fundamental challenge in establishing regional stability as Lebanese authorities assert their sovereignty while maintaining a position of profound suspicion toward Israeli intentions.
Watch clip answer (00:03m)
WION
02:00 - 02:04
What casualties have occurred since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon began?
Since the truce began, approximately 60 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon. The most significant loss of life occurred on January 26, when about two dozen people died as residents attempted to return to their border towns on what was originally designated as the initial withdrawal deadline. These casualties highlight the ongoing dangers in the region despite the official ceasefire agreement. Thousands of displaced residents are still waiting to return to their devastated communities, where reconstruction efforts are estimated to cost over $10 billion.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)WION
01:43 - 01:55