Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon (Reuters image)
Israeli air strikes killed at least four people and wounded 20 others in southern Lebanon on Sunday, in the latest escalation despite a truce between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli forces continue to operate inside a self-declared security zone extending about 10 km (six miles) into Lebanese territory. The strikes began at dawn and hit Nabatieh, Arab Salim, Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Reman, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported.
Two women were killed and six people wounded in an Israeli air strike on Arab Salim after Israeli forces issued an evacuation order for a building in the town, according to the National News Agency. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least two people were killed in a separate Israeli strike on Nabatieh al-Fawqa. The frequency of attacks has declined since a US-Iran memorandum of understanding on the broader conflict was reached in June, followed by a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon later that month. However, Lebanon continues to report Israeli air strikes, artillery shelling and demolitions of civilian buildings in southern villages and towns. Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah After Drone Attack
Israeli airstrikes hit Nabatieh city, damaging a historic building owned by the brother of a Lebanese parliament member and several nearby structures. In Kfar Reman, a strike destroyed the residence of the late former mayor. Five individuals received treatment at hospitals in Nabatieh but were later discharged.
Israel stated that these strikes were a response to Hezbollah’s launch of two drones targeting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, labeling the action a “blatant violation” by the armed group.
Since March, following Hezbollah’s attack on Israel amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict regarding Iran, Israel has intensified its military operations, conducting airstrikes across Lebanon and initiating ground operations. According to Lebanese authorities, over 4,300 people have died due to these ongoing attacks.