Lebanon decries Israeli demolition of homes in occupied areas

Key Points:

• The Israeli military has been systematically demolishing villages near the Lebanese-Israeli border, such as Beit Lif, claiming these areas were used as Hezbollah outposts, resulting in near-total destruction of residential neighborhoods.
• The widespread demolitions have raised concerns among Lebanese officials and residents about the displacement crisis, fearing many displaced people may have no homes to return to if the ceasefire holds.
• A fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began recently, but both sides have continued strikes, with Israel planning to occupy parts of southern Lebanon and maintaining a "forward defense line" inside Lebanese territory.
• Lebanese officials plan to address the demolitions during upcoming ceasefire talks with Israeli counterparts in Washington, marking the first direct negotiations between the two countries in decades.
• The UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) has observed demolitions since the truce, while Israeli officials maintain that destruction targets Hezbollah infrastructure and complies with international law, not civilian property unless militarily necessary.