Israeli army shells southern Lebanon hills amid ceasefire talks

Despite progress in ceasefire negotiations, the Israeli army has reportedly conducted a new artillery bombardment on hills in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (ANN).

The ANN reported early Tuesday that "intense artillery shelling" was directed at the Ali Taher hills, located on the outskirts of the southern town of Nabatieh al Fawqa. The Israeli military did not issue any alerts through its usual communication channels regarding the operation.

This latest reported bombardment follows attacks on Sunday by Israeli forces against the towns of Mayfadoun and Zawtar al Sharqiya, also in the Nabatieh district, as well as the Ali Taher hills. These continued attacks in southern Lebanon occur just days after the conclusion of the seventh round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Rome.

The talks, mediated by the United States, aimed to address issues including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, where they have maintained a presence since an offensive began on March 2.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had confirmed "positive progress" on border disputes and the release of Lebanese prisoners following the Rome talks. However, the powerful Shiite group Hezbollah, a significant political and armed entity in Lebanon, is not participating in the negotiations with Israel and does not support the Lebanese government's engagement with Israel. This stance has created internal tensions between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah.