Israeli forces pulled out of populated areas in southern Lebanon, but retained control over strategic border points as a deadline lapsed for both Israel and Hezbollah to leave the region.

The Israeli Defense Ministry said it was maintaining a presence in "key positions." Egypt is meanwhile preparing a counter-proposal to Donald Trump's plan for Gaza. DW has the latest.

Residents of south Lebanon returned to devastated villages on Tuesday, searching for the bodies of relatives killed in last year's war between Israel and Hezbollah, as Israeli troops withdrew from most of the territory.

Israel’s military said it would maintain a presence in five locations along its border with Lebanon, despite a Tuesday deadline to withdraw troops as part of a cease-fire with Hezbollah.