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. Reports from Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency indicated that one airstrike, targeting a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claimed the lives of seven people, including three children, and left two others injured. A second strike in Deir al-Zahrani village resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.
An agreement termed as a “framework agreement” was reached by Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon in return for the disarmament of the Hezbollah militant group backed by Iran. This agreement also outlined steps towards a potential peace treaty between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war almost eight decades after Israel’s inception. Despite this agreement, Hezbollah has declined direct negotiations and was not party to the deal.
The latest airstrikes on Saturday mark the deadliest incidents since the truce came into effect two months ago. In a previous incident on July 6, four individuals lost their lives in strikes on Nabatiyeh Fawqa town. Just a day before the truce commenced, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 83 people and injuries to 141, as reported by the Health Ministry.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon have drawn criticism from Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who expressed concern that the attacks are disrupting stability in the region and causing fear among residents. He emphasized that the victims of the Ansar airstrike were not part of any military infrastructure and urged Israel to cease its aggression. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun viewed the strikes as a hindrance to ongoing negotiation efforts and American-led initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
Despite the truce, Israel’s military conducted intense airstrikes targeting the strategic Ali Taher hill and surrounding areas. The Israeli military stated that these strikes were in response to alleged actions against Israeli forces by Hezbollah in the region. Hezbollah, in turn, called on the Lebanese government to address the ongoing aggression rather than pursuing direct talks with Israel, which they believe would only benefit the enemy.
Recent events have seen an escalation in tensions, with two Israeli soldiers losing their lives in an explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli casualties since the truce was established. Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm and accusations against the Lebanese government for making concessions without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal have complicated the peace process between Lebanon and Israel.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has claimed the lives of over 4,000 individuals in the region due to Israeli airstrikes, including numerous civilians. On the Israeli side, around 40 soldiers and three civilians have been reported killed. The latest round of talks between Lebanon and Israel took place in Rome earlier this month, with the situation remaining volatile amid ongoing hostilities and diplomatic challenges.