As the 60-day withdrawal deadline expired, thousands of southern Lebanese residents attempted returning to their villages, defying Israeli warnings. Morning saw the first casualties as Israeli forces fired on civilians in Kfarkela, with casualties mounting throughout the day to 15 dead and 83 wounded.
The Lebanese Army coordinated entries into 18 border towns, while President Aoun called for restraint and trust in armed forces. One Lebanese soldier was killed by Israeli fire. UNIFIL and UN representatives declared the south unsafe for civilian return, while Macron demanded Netanyahu withdraw Israeli forces.
By evening, the White House announced an extension of the ceasefire agreement until February 18, marking a shift from previous days' uncertainty. Hezbollah supporters' victory motorcades through Beirut's suburbs sparked sectarian tensions, while Israel canceled flights to Cyprus citing security concerns.