Ambiguity Over Extending the Deadline to February 18 Amid Berri’s Conditions and Israeli Non-Compliance /  Qassem: No Extension of the Deadline; Resistance Has the Right to Define the Form, Nature, and Timing of Confrontation

 January 28, 2025

The political editor wrote

As hundreds of thousands of residents from northern Gaza walked several kilometers on foot, crossing through the dismantled occupation post at Netzarim – where occupying soldiers shed tears – they headed toward areas in northern Gaza that the occupiers had destroyed in hopes of establishing a depopulated security buffer zone to facilitate the displacement of Palestinians. This plan, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, unfolded as Gaza’s resistance celebrated its unmistakable victory, while the occupying entity’s leaders exchanged accusations over responsibility for the defeat.

Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, popular delegations intensified their momentum, targeting towns where the occupying army’s withdrawal remained incomplete, such as Maroun al-Ras and Yaroun in the central sector, or Adaisseh and Meiss El Jabal in the eastern sector. In the western sector, towns like Marwahin witnessed no withdrawal at all. In some areas, such as Meiss El Jabal, civilians and the army advanced shoulder to shoulder, while in others, like Marwahin, civilians led the way, followed by the army.

The popular liberation march coincided with diplomatic activity, as U.S. officials claimed success in reaching an agreement to extend the 60-day deadline for the occupying forces’ withdrawal to February 18. A statement by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati indicated consultations with President Joseph Aoun and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Mikati emphasised that the Israeli side violated the agreement by failing to meet its commitments, while Lebanon fulfilled its obligations.

Speaker Berri later clarified that he had set conditions for halting the occupation’s killing and destruction, but the day’s reports of new martyrs and wounded effectively nullified his conditional approval. Silence from Baabda prevailed regarding the extension, even as the army, advancing with civilians in the south, faced occupation gunfire. The army’s actions showed no signs of adherence to the extended deadline.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered the most unequivocal stance, rejecting any extension of the deadline. He declared, “We are facing an occupation that continues its aggression and refuses to withdraw. The resistance has the right to act as it deems appropriate regarding the form, nature, and timing of confrontation”. He added, “Israel must withdraw because the 60 days have passed, and we will not accept any justification for a single day of extension, nor will we agree to extending the deadline”.