Lebanese southern officials on June 15 warned those evacuated due to the conflict not to rush home, despite the US and Iran reaching an agreement to end the larger conflict in the region.
Lebanon is the country most seriously affected by the spread of conflict between the US and Iran. The 3-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has killed thousands of people and about 1.2 million people have been displaced. The conflict broke out after Hezbollah opened fire on Israel to support Tehran.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, one of the important mediators between Tehran and Washington, announced that the agreement had been signed earlier in the day local time. According to him, the document called for "immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon".
However, in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli army is controlling a security area established by this country, many local councils have issued notices suggesting that people should not return. The Lebanese national news agency said that functional agencies are concerned that the actual situation is still unsafe.
Israel affirms it does not participate in the US-Iran agreement. Israeli Defense Minister Katz declared that his country will not withdraw troops from security zones in southern Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and Syria. He also warned Israel would respond if Iran attacked the country in connection with developments in Lebanon.
According to Mr. Katz, the security area in southern Lebanon will not have local residents living and all infrastructure that Israel believes is related to Hezbollah will be removed.
The Israeli army has destroyed many villages in southern Lebanon in recent weeks, citing Hezbollah forces operating interspersed in residential areas in areas with a Shiite Muslim majority. Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese Shiites are currently sheltering in other areas of the country.
