Lebanese army moves into southern town after Israeli withdrawal
The army says its units are stationed around the town of Shamma in the southern district of Tyre in coordination with the UN’s peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL.
The units “began entering [the town] simultaneously with the withdrawal of the Israeli enemy from it” after contact with the committee supervising the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the army said on X.
Next, it said, “specialized units will conduct an engineering survey of the town with the aim of removing unexploded ordnance” left from Israel’s attacks.
It asked citizens not to approach the area until the army’s deployment ends.
The Israeli army’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon was initially supposed to last 60 days from the date of the ceasefire – November 26. But top Israeli officials have been quoted as saying that they expect their army to remain in Lebanon past this date.
Lebanese army units enter the town of Shamaa after Israel’s withdrawal on December 31
Surviving 2024 in Gaza
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/12/31/surviving-2024-in-gaza
When I was a child, I dreamed of travelling the world, exploring new cultures and learning new things. I yearned for a journey of discovery.
Living in Gaza felt like sitting in the stands, watching the world’s achievements – its development, progress and technological marvels – unfold from afar without being able to participate.
It was both a sanctuary and a cage – its regular rhythm comforting yet repetitive, its streets too familiar, its horizons too narrow for the aspirations I carried within me.
I cherished its warmth and closeness, but the pull of life beyond its borders was irresistible. I was ready to leave the moment an opportunity came my way.
This year, I did embark on a journey, but not the one that I had dreamed of. Instead of a trip of carefree exploration abroad, I found myself on a journey navigating a genocidal war and a struggle for survival within the narrow strip of Palestinian land I call home.
Along the way, I learned a lot – about myself and my inner world.
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