Abdelrahman
JERUSALEM (AP) — According to an Israeli official, Israeli forces plan to maintain a presence at five key points in southern Lebanon near the border, even after the deadline for a full withdrawal on Tuesday. The official chose to remain anonymous due to policy regulations.
The Lebanese government has expressed strong opposition to any delays in the Israeli withdrawal, as outlined in the ceasefire agreement that halted hostilities with Hezbollah. There has been no immediate response from Lebanese or Hezbollah officials. Earlier on Monday, an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon resulted in the death of a senior Hamas leader.
This development coincides with the 500th day since Hamas launched its attack on October 7, 2023, an incident that sparked conflict in Gaza and escalated tensions throughout the region, culminating in a major conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Last month saw a brief halt in the fighting in Gaza when a temporary ceasefire took effect. The initial phase of this truce is expected to conclude in early March, raising questions about its extension to facilitate the release of additional hostages, or whether Israel will resume its military campaign against Hamas with support from the United States.
In a related report, an anti-settlement organization revealed that Israel has announced plans to build nearly 1,000 new homes for settlers in the occupied West Bank.
READ MORE: Netanyahu indicates progress on Trump’s plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza
The advocacy group Peace Now indicated that the proposed construction of 974 new housing units would increase the Efrat settlement’s population by 40%, further obstructing the growth of the nearby Palestinian city of Bethlehem. Hagit Ofran, who oversees the group’s monitoring efforts, stated that construction will commence after the contracting procedures and permit issuance, which could take at least another year.
There has been no immediate statement from the Israeli government on this matter.
Israel gained control of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East conflict. Palestinians claim these territories as part of their future state and view the settlements as a significant impediment to peace, a stance that enjoys considerable international consensus.
Settlement Expansion Accelerates Under Trump
During his presidency, Donald Trump provided unprecedented support for settlement activities. While Israel has continued its settlement expansion during previous Democratic administrations, those in power have often voiced criticism without taking decisive action to halt development.
Israel has established over 100 settlements in the West Bank, ranging from small outposts to fully developed suburban communities equipped with homes, shopping centers, and parks.
More than 500,000 settlers reside in the occupied West Bank, which is also home to about 3 million Palestinians. Israeli settlers hold citizenship, while Palestinians live under military governance, with the Western-backed Palestinian Authority managing urban areas.
The Israeli government considers the West Bank to be the historical and biblical homeland of the Jewish people, opposing Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have accused Israel of systemic discrimination and oppression towards Palestinians in the area.
Peace Now, which advocates for a negotiated two-state solution, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for advancing settlement construction while numerous hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, offensive remain in captivity. They stated, “The Netanyahu government is working aggressively to establish facts on the ground that will eliminate any chance of peace and compromise.”
Israelis Reflect on 500 Days of Conflict and Captivity
On Monday, protests erupted across Israel, with demonstrators urging an extension of the ceasefire for the release of additional hostages. In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked a major intersection, and some chose to fast for 500 minutes in solidarity with those still held captive.
“All I want is for my friends to return. We were six of us living in terrible conditions, in a space of just six square meters. I got out, but they remain,” recounted Ohad Ben Ami, a recently released hostage, during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. He remarked that captives no longer keep track of days but measure time in minutes and seconds.
Hamas plans to continue the gradual release of 33 hostages during the current ceasefire phase, trading them for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have withdrawn from most of Gaza and allowed an influx of humanitarian aid.
However, negotiations for the subsequent phase of the truce, which would involve the release of more than 70 remaining hostages—approximately half of whom are believed to be deceased—are yet to commence. This phase would also require a complete Israeli withdrawal and a long-lasting ceasefire agreement.
Conflicting signals have emerged from Netanyahu and the Trump administration regarding their intentions to extend the ceasefire or resume military operations. Both affirm their commitment to dismantling Hamas and securing the release of all hostages, yet these objectives are widely perceived as incompatible.
The Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, mainly among civilians, and the abduction of around 250 individuals. While a significant number of hostages have been returned through agreements with Hamas or other negotiations, only eight have been saved during military operations.
Despite being weakened, Hamas retains full control over Gaza. The group has stated its willingness to transfer authority to other Palestinian factions but rejects any form of foreign occupation.
The ongoing Israeli military campaign has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, including a significant number of women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not specify combatant casualties. The conflict has devastated vast portions of Gaza, displacing nearly 90% of its 2.3 million residents at its peak.
Trump has proposed permanently relocating Gaza’s population to different countries and suggested that the U.S. should take control of the territory to facilitate its reconstruction. This plan has garnered Israeli support but has faced universal rejection from Palestinians and Arab states.
Human rights organizations and experts contend that such a proposal, if actualized, would likely breach international law.
This proposal casts further uncertainty on the prospect of a prolonged ceasefire. Hamas might be hesitant to release its remaining captives—its critical bargaining chips—if it perceives that Israel intends to resume hostilities with the aim of displacing the Palestinian populace.
Israel Targets Senior Hamas Official in Lebanon
An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in Sidon, Lebanon, marking the most significant attack since the ceasefire with Hezbollah began in November. Israel stated that the operation aimed at Muhammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas activities in Lebanon. Videos circulating online depicted a vehicle engulfed in flames, with the strike occurring close to a Lebanese army checkpoint and the local sports stadium.
The initial deadline for Israeli withdrawal was set for late January, but after pressure from Israel, Lebanon consented to extend it to February 18. As of now, it remains uncertain if Israeli forces will complete their withdrawal by the Tuesday deadline.
Since the ceasefire commenced, Israel has continued conducting airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, claiming to target military installations housing missiles and combat equipment. Both parties have accused one another of breaching the truce.
Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report. Reporting from Beirut by Abou AlJoud.
