Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most lethal attacks since a fragile truce was established between Israel and Hezbollah in June. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency reported that one airstrike on a residence in Ansar claimed the lives of seven people, including three children, and injured two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani left four people dead and 17 wounded.
A “framework agreement” was announced by Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran. The agreement also includes steps toward a potential peace deal between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war nearly 80 years after Israel’s establishment. Despite this, Hezbollah, which was not involved in the agreement, has rejected direct negotiations.
The recent airstrikes on Saturday represent the deadliest incidents since the truce began two months ago. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam of Lebanon criticized Israel’s actions, stating that the strikes disrupt efforts to maintain stability in the region. He emphasized that the victims were not military targets and called on Israel to cease its escalation, highlighting the Lebanese people’s right to security and life on their own land.
Additionally, more than 4,000 individuals in the region have been killed by Israeli airstrikes thus far. Israeli military operations have persisted despite the truce, with strikes reported on the strategic Ali Taher hill overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh and main roads. The Israeli military justified its actions as a response to alleged Hezbollah threats against Israeli soldiers and civilians, vowing to eliminate any potential dangers.
Hezbollah, in turn, urged the Lebanese government to address the ongoing aggression rather than pursuing talks with Israel sponsored by the U.S., accusing the American side of complicity in Israeli actions. The group warned that Israel’s aggression would be met with a suitable response. The recent explosion in southern Lebanon that claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers marked the first Israeli fatalities since the truce, with Hezbollah refraining from commenting on the incident.
Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of negotiations, with the most recent occurring in Rome. However, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has refused to disarm, criticizing the Lebanese government for concessions made without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal from the region. The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in March and has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides.