Israeli UN Envoy Says Ceasefire Extension "Not 100%" as Violations Continue in Southern Lebanon
RT correspondent reports Israeli forces using ceasefire lull to expand "yellow zone" occupation covering 55 towns and villages
Quick Look
- Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon describes the newly extended Lebanon ceasefire as "not 100%" amid reported violations by Israeli forces.
- The 10-day ceasefire announced by Trump last week was extended by three weeks on Thursday.
- RT's Beirut correspondent Steve Sweeney reports Israeli forces have used the lull to occupy southern Lebanon and impose a "yellow zone" covering around 55 towns where residents are barred from returning, with troops reportedly ordered to open fire on anyone entering.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon follows escalating violence since March that has left nearly 2,500 people dead. The initial 10-day ceasefire was announced by US President Trump last week and extended by three weeks on Thursday.
A newly announced extension of the Lebanon ceasefire has been described by Israel's UN envoy as "not 100%." RT's correspondent in Beirut, Steve Sweeney, says the remarks by Ambassador Danny Danon reflect the situation on the ground, with monitors recording repeated violations by West Jerusalem.
The 10‑day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, initially announced by US President Donald Trump last week, was extended by another three weeks on Thursday. According to Sweeney, Israeli forces have used the lull to occupy swathes of southern Lebanon and impose a Gaza‑style "yellow zone" covering around 55 towns and villages where residents are barred from returning.
He described the area as "in effect a kill zone," pointing to reports that troops have been told to open fire on anyone entering and to the destruction of homes, hospitals, ambulances, schools, and other civilian infrastructure since the escalation in March, which has left nearly 2,500 people dead.
While the three‑week extension may offer some relief to Beirut after weeks of bombardment and Trump "seems to think he could work a longer‑term peace deal," for people on the ground – particularly in southern Lebanon – "it seems a very distant hope," Sweeney says.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further ceasefire extensions will be needed as violations continue
Likely · Within weeks
International pressure will increase on Israel to halt expansion of yellow zone
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific violations have been recorded by monitors?
- Will the three-week extension lead to a longer-term peace deal?
- What is the fate of residents in the 55 towns and villages in the yellow zone?
