Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill One, Injure Nine Amid Ceasefire Violations

BEIRUT, Lebanon – At least one person was killed and nine others were injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, escalating tensions in the region and prompting strong condemnation from both the Lebanese government and the armed group Hezbollah.

The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted alleged military installations associated with Hezbollah, accusing the group of failing to disarm in accordance with a ceasefire agreement last year. Despite this agreement, Israel has reportedly conducted frequent airstrikes against Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks, calling them a serious violation of international humanitarian law, which protects civilians. “What Israel committed today in southern Lebanon constitutes a full-fledged crime under international humanitarian law,” he said in a statement.

The National News Agency of Lebanon reported that the strikes hit the town of Toura, killing one man and wounding eight others. Additional injuries were reported in attacks on Tayr Debba, also located in the Tyre district. Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr noted that these strikes are seen as an escalation, especially following Hezbollah’s public letter urging the Lebanese leadership to address ongoing Israeli violations.

Israel’s actions have also been met with criticism from the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which stated that the strikes endanger civilians and undermine the Lebanese military’s ability to manage unauthorized weapons in the region.

As Hezbollah rejected any political negotiations with Israel, claiming such talks would not be in Lebanon’s interest, tensions continue to mount. The group reiterated its right to defend Lebanon against what it described as aggressive actions by Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under scrutiny for alleged war crimes, warned of possible escalations in military operations in Lebanon. In response, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would intensify its military enforcement against perceived threats.

The situation remains critical as Lebanon has indicated plans to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year amid continued Israeli operations. President Aoun has recently instructed the Lebanese Army to draft a strategy to manage the disarmament of Hezbollah, a move that has been criticized by the group as dangerous.

Despite the ceasefire agreement entered into nearly a year ago, the Israeli military has maintained its presence and conducted regular strikes, further complicating the already volatile situation along the Israel-Lebanon border.