Liberation Day Quiet as Israeli Forces Hold Parts of Southern Lebanon

Overview

• Since a new offensive began on March 2, Israeli troops have re-entered and now occupy dozens of villages along the Lebanon-Israel border, with repeated strikes and evacuation orders continuing despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire announced on April 16.
• Lebanon’s health ministry reports thousands killed and more than one million people displaced, and humanitarian groups say roughly 45% of towns in the south have been damaged or destroyed.
• On May 25, Liberation Day observances were subdued as families displaced from places such as Kfar Kila and Nabatieh voiced grief at losing homes and gravesites to bombardment and occupation.
• Beirut’s government has opened direct talks with Israel pressing for a full withdrawal and the safe return of displaced people, a move that Hezbollah rejects while continuing cross-border attacks and calling for the government to resign if it cannot protect sovereignty.
• The fighting’s human toll and the split between the government and Hezbollah raise the prospect of prolonged instability in Lebanon and sustained humanitarian needs, with international diplomats still seeking a durable cessation of hostilities.