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Lebanese soldiers wounded by ordnance after Israeli troops reportedly enter southern village

From Al Jazeera · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Three Lebanese soldiers were wounded while attempting to defuse unexploded ordnance in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, southern Lebanon.
  • Local officials and state media reported that Israeli troops had entered the village overnight and constructed an earth barrier.
  • The incident occurred in a "pilot zone" designated for Lebanese army deployment under a US-sponsored agreement aimed at Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament.

An incident in the southern Lebanese village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah has led to injuries among Lebanese soldiers and raised tensions along the border. Three Lebanese soldiers sustained wounds while attempting to disarm unexploded ordnance in the village, the Lebanese army announced. The event unfolded hours after local authorities and Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli forces had entered the village and erected an earth barrier overnight.

An Israeli occupation army force advanced into the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah shortly after midnight … and erected a new earthen barrier near the town square.

— National News Agency (NNA)Reporting on the Israeli troop incursion and construction of a barrier in the village.

Abed Ezzeddine, the mayor of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, expressed surprise at the barrier's construction, noting it was located about 100 meters from the village square. He stated that the village had been placed under Lebanese army control as part of a June agreement with Israel. A Lebanese military source deemed the incursion a violation of the framework accord, while the Israeli military stated they were "not aware of such an event in this area."

NNA reported that an Israeli army force advanced into Zawtar al-Gharbiyah shortly after midnight, erecting the new earthen barrier near the town square. An AFP correspondent confirmed the presence of the barrier blocking a road at the village's eastern entrance. The Lebanese army had deployed to Zawtar al-Gharbiyah on July 21, and approximately 50 families have since returned, according to Mayor Ezzeddine. Israeli troops had previously been positioned on the village outskirts.

The village had been placed under the control of Lebanon’s army as part of a June agreement with Israel.

— Abed EzzeddineExplaining the security arrangements in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah following a bilateral agreement.

Zawtar al-Gharbiyah is designated as one of two "pilot zones" where the Lebanese army is deploying under a US-sponsored framework agreement signed with Israel on June 26. This agreement outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera's correspondent reported an escalation in Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon, including shelling in Mansouri and drone strikes in Mayfadoun, impacting villages along the contact line.

It was not aware of such an event in this area.

— Israeli militaryResponding to reports of Israeli troops entering Zawtar al-Gharbiyah and building a barrier.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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