Fresh Israeli Strikes Kill 5 in South Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Reports

Fresh Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least five people, escalating tensions despite a reported ceasefire. Lebanese officials condemned the attacks, which they said targeted civilians and undermined efforts to secure a lasting truce.

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Hezbollah and Israel agreed to a ceasefire.

The security situation in Lebanon deteriorated sharply following a major military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese sources indicated that Israel aimed to undermine the ceasefire agreement, pressure Lebanese negotiators ahead of talks in Washington, and secure territorial gains. A U.S. official confirmed that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire, brokered with assistance from Iran and Qatar, which was set to take effect at 4 p.m. local time.

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What we are witnessing today in the south and the Bekaa, with the expansion of Israeli attacks and further killing and destruction, is a dangerous and condemnable escalation, especially as it has affected dozens of innocent people, including women and children.

This security deterioration triggered a flurry of regional, international, and local diplomatic contacts. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun initiated calls with influential countries to de-escalate the situation and ensure commitment to the ceasefire. He condemned the "dangerous and condemnable escalation" affecting innocent civilians and stated it jeopardized efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and end the war, particularly in light of recent developments between the U.S. and Iran.

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But this will not prevent work to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible. This is what I instructed the Lebanese negotiating delegation to pursue in the next round in Washington.

Aoun emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire is the necessary first step for discussing other issues, including Israeli withdrawal, army deployment, and prisoner exchanges. Meanwhile, Hezbollah parliamentary bloc member MP Hassan Fadlallah reported that Iran had informed the group that negotiations with the U.S. could not proceed without implementing a full ceasefire. Fadlallah urged the Lebanese government to reject direct negotiations with Israel while attacks on Lebanon persist, holding Washington responsible for ensuring Israel halts its attacks and adheres to the agreement.

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There can be no leniency on this issue because a comprehensive ceasefire is the entry point for discussing other issues, most importantly the Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of the army and the return of prisoners.