Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the deadliest attacks since a fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency reported that one airstrike targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming the lives of seven individuals, including three children, and injuring two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani village resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.
In June, Israel and the Lebanese government reached a “framework agreement” outlining the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Despite efforts towards a potential peace agreement, Hezbollah, which was not a party to the deal, has refused direct negotiations.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes, stating that they instill fear among residents and hinder stability efforts in the region. Salam emphasized that the victims of the airstrikes were not military targets and urged Israel to cease the escalation for the security and rights of the Lebanese people.
Furthermore, intense Israeli airstrikes targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city, early Saturday. The Israeli military stated that the strikes aimed to disrupt Hezbollah infrastructure following actions against Israeli soldiers in the area, emphasizing the protection of Israeli civilians and soldiers from threats posed by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government to address the aggression, cautioning against pursuing talks with Israel sponsored by the U.S. The group denounced Israel’s actions as violations that would be met with a suitable response. Earlier in the month, two Israeli soldiers were killed in a blast in southern Lebanon, the first Israeli casualties since the truce.
Lebanon and Israel have engaged in several rounds of talks, with Hezbollah refusing to disarm and criticizing the Lebanese government for concessions made without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal. The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in March, has claimed over 4,000 lives in Lebanon, including numerous civilians, alongside casualties on the Israeli side.