New Delhi, Jan. 26 -- At least 22 people, including six women and a Lebanese soldier, were killed, and 124 others injured as Israeli forces opened fire on protesters in southern Lebanon on Sunday, according to Lebanese health officials. Demonstrators gathered to demand Israel's withdrawal from the region, as stipulated by a ceasefire agreement following the Israel-Hezbollah war in November. Protests were reported in nearly 20 villages along the border.

The Israeli military justified its extended presence, citing the Lebanese army's inability to fully deploy to the area and prevent Hezbollah's return. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army claimed it could not deploy until Israel withdraws, creating a tense standoff. Protesters, many waving Hezboll...