Israel-Hezbollah truce crumbles amid bloody day of exchanges

A fragile truce between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah is showing significant signs of collapse following a renewed exchange of fire that began early Saturday. The ceasefire, which had been in effect since Friday, is now under severe strain as both parties accuse each other of violations.

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Hezbollah confirmed today that it adhered to the truce... and accused Israel of violating it 'from the first moment'.

Hezbollah confirmed its adherence to the truce, which was part of a broader understanding reached between Washington and Tehran, but immediately accused Israel of breaching it from the outset. The group claimed responsibility for attacking Israeli troops attempting to infiltrate the Ali al-Taher hills in southern Lebanon. According to Hezbollah, Israel responded with intense airstrikes, targeting innocent civilians to mask alleged military failures.

The Israeli military, however, stated that Hezbollah launched over 50 projectiles overnight. They asserted their commitment to the ceasefire agreement and their intention to continue operations to eliminate threats against Israel. Neither the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor the Defense Ministry had commented on the truce by Saturday.

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The Israeli army pointed out that Hezbollah launched more than 50 projectiles against its forces... during the past night.

Casualties have mounted significantly. The Lebanese Public Health Ministry and the National News Agency reported at least 24 deaths from Israeli attacks in southern and eastern Lebanon on Saturday, including two children and a soldier. Specific areas like Qanarit, Sidon, and Barish were heavily affected, with one family losing four members, including two children. The ongoing violence underscores the precariousness of the ceasefire and the continued volatility of the region.

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We are committed to the ceasefire agreement, in accordance with the directives of the high political command, and will continue to act to eliminate any threat against the State of Israel and the armed forces.