Israeli army not ready to leave Lebanon, shot protesters, 22 dead, and more than 124 injured.

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At least 22 people were killed and more than 124 injured when the Israeli army opened fire on protesters in southern Lebanon on Sunday. Lebanon's health ministry officials said these protesters were demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces under a ceasefire.

The Health Ministry said in a statement that the dead included six women and a Lebanese army soldier. There are reports of people being injured in more than 20 villages in the border area.

Protesters tried to enter several villages.

The Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon within the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire agreement at the end of November to stop the Israel-Hezbollah war, but this did not happen. In protest, protesters tried to enter several villages. Some protesters were carrying Hezbollah flags.

Need to stay there longer

Israel says the Lebanese army has not deployed in all areas of the region to prevent Hezbollah from raising its head again in southern Lebanon and hence needs to stay there for a longer period of time.

Hezbollah blamed for inciting protests

The Lebanese army said it could not hold positions until Israeli troops withdrew. The Israeli army blamed Hezbollah for instigating Sunday's protests. It said in a statement that its troops fired warning shots in several areas where the presence of suspects was detected.

Israeli soldiers arrested several suspects

The statement said that Israeli soldiers have arrested several suspects and they are being questioned. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun said in a statement addressed to the people of southern Lebanon on Sunday that Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be compromised and I am working to resolve this issue to ensure your rights and dignity.