Beirut: Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Rodolph Haykal has accused Israel of obstructing the complete deployment of the Lebanese army in the southern areas of the country. General Haykal highlighted this ongoing issue as a significant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and a breach of international resolutions.

According to Qatar News Agency, General Haykal, in a speech delivered during Lebanon's Resistance and Liberation Day, expressed concerns over the persistent Israeli aggression and occupation of Lebanese territory. He emphasized that this year's commemoration takes place during a particularly perilous period, marked by a recent wide-scale Israeli offensive on Lebanon's southern regions. This assault resulted in thousands of casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure and property.

The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on November 27 of the previous year, required the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern villages and towns within 60 days. However, despite the Lebanese government's extension of this deadline to February 18, Israeli occupation forces continue to occupy five strategic locations in the south, further complicating the situation.