ISRAELI forces opened fire on protesters in southern Lebanon on Sunday, killing at least 24 and injuring 134, Lebanese health officials reported.

The dead included six women and a Lebanese army soldier, the Health Ministry said in a statement. People were reported wounded in nearly 20 villages in the border area

The protesters were demanding Israel’s withdrawal from the area in line with a ceasefire agreement.

Hours later, the White House announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli troops to depart southern Lebanon until February 18.

Israel had requested more time to withdraw beyond the 60-day deadline agreed in the ceasefire deal that halted the Israel-Hezbollah war last November.

Israel has said that it needs to stay longer because the Lebanese army has not deployed to all areas of southern Lebanon to ensure that Hezbollah does not re-establish its presence in the area. 

The Lebanese army has said it cannot deploy until Israeli forces withdraw.

The White House said in a statement that “the arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18 2025.”

It added that the respective governments “will also begin negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7 2023.”

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government, but Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed the extension.

The Israeli army blamed Hezbollah for stirring up Sunday’s protests.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in a statement to the people of southern Lebanon on Sunday that “Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, and I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity.”

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri of the Amal Movement party said Sunday’s bloodshed was “a clear and urgent call for the international community to act immediately and compel Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories.”