Israeli Military Withdrawal
Could we see fighting flare up again with Hezbollah?
We certainly could see fighting flare up again. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel has maintained troops at five strategic positions along the Lebanese border, which the UN considers a violation of the ceasefire terms. While Lebanon's new government has taken steps to sideline Hezbollah and the Lebanese army is slowly regaining control in the south, Hezbollah still maintains significant weapons capabilities. Although severely downgraded, Hezbollah retains the ability to restart fighting if it perceives an existential threat, making an uptick in violence possible in the coming days and weeks.
Watch clip answer (01:40m)
CBS News
02:00 - 03:40
What is involved in the second phase of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas?
The second phase of ceasefire negotiations is significant because it would include discussions about Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, which is strongly contested by the right wing of Netanyahu's cabinet. In exchange for Hamas releasing hostages, Israel has agreed to free all women prisoners and those under 19 who were arrested since October 8, 2023. Additionally, Israel has begun allowing heavy equipment for rubble removal into Gaza from Egypt as part of the agreement. These talks appear to be back on track with Israel sending a negotiating team to Cairo.
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BBC News
02:28 - 03:44
What is the latest development in the Israel-Hamas hostage situation?
Hamas will transfer the bodies of four hostages to Israel on Thursday, with plans to release six living hostages on Saturday. This significant development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, potentially signaling the beginning of the conflict's second phase. The handover has particular emotional significance for families like the Bibas family, whose tragic story represents the broader narrative of loss and resilience within Israel. These developments may also impact discussions about Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, potentially shaping future peace efforts in the region.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)BBC News
00:01 - 00:10
Has Israel upheld its obligations under the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah?
According to Al Jazeera's digital investigation team Sanad, Israel has not upheld its ceasefire obligations that began on November 27, 2024. Their investigation reveals a pattern of Israeli military activity that directly contradicts the terms of the 60-day truce agreement with Hezbollah. The ceasefire terms required Israel to halt military operations in Lebanon and gradually withdraw from the south, while Hezbollah would stop attacks on Israel. However, Sanad's findings indicate ongoing Israeli military presence and operations rather than the promised withdrawal, suggesting significant violations of the agreement.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)
Al Jazeera English
00:00 - 00:39
How is Israel violating the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon?
Israel is continuing ground operations and demolitions inside Lebanon despite the ceasefire agreement that took effect on November 27, 2024. Al Jazeera's Sanad team analyzed over 30 videos and images from Israeli military sources and social media that show ongoing Israeli ground operations and aerial attacks within Lebanese territory. The evidence reveals these activities are direct violations of the truce agreement, which stipulated that Israel was required to withdraw all its troops from the area within 60 days. Instead, Israel appears to be maintaining and even expanding military operations, contradicting their commitments under the ceasefire terms.
Watch clip answer (00:31m)Al Jazeera English
03:20 - 03:51
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