Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most lethal attacks since a delicate truce between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June.
Reports from Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency indicated that one of the airstrikes, targeting a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claimed the lives of seven people, including three children, and left two others injured. Another airstrike in Deir al-Zahrani village led to the deaths of four individuals and left 17 wounded.
Israel and the Lebanese government reached a “framework agreement” on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. The agreement also includes provisions for steps towards a potential peace deal between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war almost 80 years after Israel’s inception.
Hezbollah has rejected direct negotiations and was not party to the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister criticized the airstrikes, stating that they instilled fear among residents and hindered efforts to bring stability to the region. The strikes on Saturday are the deadliest since the truce took effect. Earlier incidents in July and June resulted in casualties as well.
Despite the truce, Israel’s military has continued its frequent attacks on southern Lebanon. The military justified the recent strikes as a response to actions against Israeli soldiers in the area, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Hezbollah, in response, called on the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and cautioned against pursuing talks with Israel, alleging that the United States is complicit in Israeli actions. The group warned Israel against further aggression, asserting that it would be met with a strong response.
In a recent incident, two Israeli soldiers lost their lives in an explosion in southern Lebanon, the first Israeli casualties since the truce went into effect. Both Lebanon and Israel have engaged in multiple rounds of talks, with Hezbollah refusing to disarm and criticizing the Lebanese government for concessions made without ensuring Israeli withdrawal.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah emerged in March, following rocket attacks by Hezbollah after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon has surpassed 4,000, with hundreds of civilians among the casualties. On the Israeli side, around 40 soldiers and three civilians, including a military contractor, have been killed.