Five killed in air strikes as Israel flouts Lebanon ceasefire

Israeli air raids struck southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing five people and violating a United States-brokered ceasefire. The attacks targeted multiple locations, including the towns of Maarakeh, Rihan, Deir al Zahrani, and Kafr Reman, escalating the ongoing conflict.

Lebanon's National News Agency reported that one person died in an air strike on Maarakeh in the Tyre district. Ali Badie, the mayor of Ar Rihan municipality, was killed in a separate Israeli attack in the Jezzine district. Three more individuals lost their lives in the Nabatieh district.

The strikes occurred shortly after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for 20 locations, including the city of Nabatieh. Israeli aircraft subsequently hit several areas covered by these warnings, such as Rihan and Sujud villages, located near Nabatieh. The army had urged residents to "evacuate your homes immediately and move to the north of the Zahrani River."

Explosions and artillery shelling were reported near hills overlooking Nabatieh. Hezbollah stated its fighters had engaged Israeli forces advancing toward Majdal Zoun. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in early March, drawing Lebanon into the wider Middle East conflict. Despite previous ceasefire attempts and negotiations, fighting has persisted, with significant casualties reported on both sides.

“

evacuate your homes immediately and move to the north of the Zahrani River