Israel delays removal of troops, accusing Hamas of breaking terms of deal by failing to release civilian hostage

• Trump suggests Palestinians leave Gaza and ‘we just clean out’ territory

Conditions are “not yet in place” for the safe return of Lebanese citizens to southern Lebanon, according to a joint statement by the UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and Unifil’s head of mission and force commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro.

In a post on X, the joint statement read:

Much has changed in Lebanon since the Cessation of Hostilities Understanding came into force in the early hours of 27 November 2024.

Violence has dramatically decreased. In many areas of southern Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of people have been able to return to their towns and villages. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have shown resolve in deploying to positions from which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are withdrawing. Supported by Unifil, the LAF is helping restore services and facilitating access to communities most affected by conflict…