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In the Middle East, Israeli military forces continued to maintain their positions in southern Lebanon despite facing a deadline to withdraw as stipulated by last year's ceasefire agreement. An Israeli spokesperson indicated that the troops' presence was necessary for the protection of Israeli citizens and to ensure the eventual handover of control to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon expressed disappointment over the delay, which contradicts the directives outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 that concluded the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The situation remains tense as international oversight calls for adherence to ceasefire terms.