BEIRUT - Israeli forces killed three people and wounded 31 others trying to return to homes in south Lebanon where Israeli troops remained on the ground after a deadline for their withdrawal passed on Sunday, Lebanon's health ministry said.
Israel has said it intended to keep troops in the south beyond the Sunday deadline stipulated in the US-brokered ceasefire that halted last year's war with Hezbollah, and on Saturday ordered residents not to return until further notice.
The deal stipulated that Israeli forces should withdraw from the south as Hezbollah's weapons and fighters were removed from the area and the Lebanese army deployed, within a 60-day period which ended on Sunday morning.
ALSO READ: Saudi foreign minister reaffirms support for Lebanon, urges reforms during landmark visit
Israel has, however, said the terms have not been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, while Lebanon's military on Saturday accused Israel of procrastinating in its withdrawal.
Hezbollah's al-Manar television, broadcasting from several locations in the south, showed footage of residents moving towards villages in defiance of Israeli orders, some holding the group's flag and images of Hezbollah fighters killed in the war.
The Lebanese health ministry said one person was killed in the village of Houla, another in Aitaroun, and a third in Blida as a result of what it described as Israeli attacks on citizens while they were trying to enter their still-occupied towns.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on France to pressure Israel to fully adhere to the ceasefire agreement, according to a statement from Lebanon's Presidency.
In a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Aoun stressed the urgency of ensuring Israel abides by the deal, highlighting its importance in maintaining stability in southern Lebanon.
READ MORE: Lebanon to name a prime minister as new phase begins
He condemned Israel's ongoing violations, including the destruction of border villages and extensive land bulldozing, warning that such actions jeopardize the return of displaced residents to their homes.
The statement noted that the two leaders discussed measures to de-escalate tensions in the region. Macron assured Aoun of his active involvement in diplomatic efforts to uphold the ceasefire and ensure the agreement's full implementation.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel would not meet the deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, citing insufficient control by the Lebanese military in the region and Hezbollah's failure to withdraw fully north of the Litani River.
