Israel strikes Lebanon days after truce, killing senior officer

Just three days after agreeing to a new ceasefire, Israel conducted airstrikes on southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people, including a senior Lebanese military officer. The Lebanese army reported that the strike targeted a military vehicle, killing three soldiers, one of whom held a brigadier general rank.

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Israel's deliberate and repeated brutal aggression is intended to thwart all efforts to find a solution.

Lebanon's military denounced the Israeli attack as "deliberate and repeated brutal aggression" intended to thwart peace efforts, calling it a "blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law and norms." The death of a high-ranking officer marks a significant escalation since the conflict began on March 2. Neighboring countries swiftly condemned the strikes, with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar issuing statements denouncing the attacks as violations of Lebanese sovereignty and international law.

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A blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law and norms.

The Israeli military acknowledged targeting a vehicle carrying a Lebanese officer, but claimed the strike was part of operations against Hezbollah and not intentionally aimed at the Lebanese army. They stated the incident occurred in an active combat zone and that movement in such areas requires prior coordination with the Israeli military. An investigation into the event is underway.

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We strongly condemn Israel's continuous attacks on Lebanon... We completely reject actions targeting Lebanon's sovereignty and army.

Simultaneously, separate Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon killed at least nine other individuals, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA). The recent escalation follows a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States on March 3, which stipulated that Hezbollah would cease attacks in exchange for Israel's withdrawal from the border area. However, Hezbollah's continued rocket and drone attacks against Israel have led to ongoing Israeli retaliatory strikes.

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The attack, which resulted in the death of an officer, is a clear violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law.