Deadly Israeli Strikes on Lebanon Follow Hezbollah Truce Violations
Israeli airstrikes kill 11 in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah attacks on troops, testing the fragile June 20 truce.
Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing at least 11 people, in what it describes as a response to attacks on its forces. The strikes, which occurred on Saturday, mark the deadliest escalation since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on June 20.
An official from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Hezbollah committed two major violations of the agreement. The group allegedly struck Israeli troops operating in the security zone, and then, when Israel responded, moved civilians into its headquarters, using them as human shields.
Lebanon's Health Ministry and state news agency reported that one airstrike on a home near Ansar village killed seven people, including three children, and wounded two others. A second strike on the village of Deir al-Zahrani killed four people and wounded 17.
The June 26 framework agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government outlines a plan for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah. The deal is seen as a step toward a potential peace agreement between the two nations, which have been technically at war for nearly 80 years. Hezbollah has refused direct talks and was not a party to the agreement.