Deadly Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon despite ceasefire

Deadly Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon – Israeli air raids in southern Lebanon claimed the lives of 17 individuals, including two minors, on Thursday, according to the country’s health ministry. The attacks, which targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, also left 35 others injured, with nine children and eight women among the wounded. These strikes occurred even as a ceasefire agreement, now in its second week, was meant to reduce hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group.

Hezbollah responds with counterattacks

Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced that it had launched assaults on Israeli forces in the region, including a drone strike that hit a group of soldiers in the Bint Jbeil district. The group’s actions indicate that the ceasefire has not fully stalled the conflict, with both sides continuing to engage in offensive operations. The violence underscores the fragile nature of the truce, which was brokered following direct discussions between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington on April 16.

“Pressure must be exerted on Israel to ensure it respects international laws and conventions, and ceases targeting civilians, paramedics, civil defence and humanitarian organisations,” said Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, condemning the ongoing strikes and demolitions as violations of the ceasefire.

Aoun highlighted the continued attacks on residential areas and places of worship, accusing Israel of breaching the agreement. Despite these actions, Israel maintains that its military operations are justified under the terms of the truce, which allows it to respond to “planned, imminent or ongoing attacks” by Hezbollah. The ministry of health in Lebanon noted that the ceasefire has not halted all violence, with air raids persisting in parts of the south.

Evacuation orders and territorial boundaries

On Thursday, the Israeli military issued evacuation alerts for 15 villages in southern Lebanon, many of which lie beyond the “Yellow Line”—a 10km (6 miles) border strip designated as Israel’s operational zone. The warning comes as the army continues to assert that it is targeting Hezbollah’s capabilities within this area, even though the truce was intended to limit such activities. The strikes have sparked concern among Lebanese officials, who view them as a deliberate pattern of breaches rather than isolated incidents.

Hezbollah, which was not part of the ceasefire negotiations, has expressed willingness to comply with the agreement if Israel reciprocates. However, the group has criticized the terms, arguing that they permit Israel to strike without clear limits. This disagreement has created tension, with Lebanon’s government accusing Israel of using the ceasefire as a pretext for sustained military campaigns.

Political rifts and the path forward

The ceasefire has also revealed divisions within Lebanon’s leadership. President Aoun advocates for direct, face-to-face talks to strengthen the agreement, believing it should transition into a more permanent arrangement. In contrast, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, has opposed such dialogue, warning that it could expose Lebanon to further risks. Berri’s stance reflects the broader ideological split between those who support a negotiated peace and those who favor a more confrontational approach.

“Hezbollah rejects this part of the agreement, arguing it gives Israel too much leeway to strike without declaring war,” noted a Lebanese official, emphasizing the group’s frustration with the ceasefire’s perceived bias.

The current conflict began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, prompting a swift Israeli military response. Since then, over 2,500 Lebanese civilians have been killed, including 103 health workers, as per the ministry of health’s report. While the figures do not separate combatants from non-combatants, they include at least 270 women and more than 170 children, highlighting the widespread impact of the war.

Israel’s military confirmed that one of its soldiers was killed in the latest round of strikes, raising the total number of Israeli casualties since early March to 17. The army attributed the loss to combat operations in southern Lebanon, where it claims to be targeting Hezbollah’s militant activities. However, the Lebanese government disputes this, arguing that the strikes disproportionately affect civilians and undermine the ceasefire’s purpose.

The ceasefire, mediated by the United States, has allowed Israel to continue its military campaign under the guise of self-defense. Yet, Hezbollah insists that the agreement does not fully address its concerns, particularly regarding the authority to launch attacks without prior warning. This disagreement has led to a cycle of strikes and counterstrikes, with both sides accusing each other of failing to uphold the truce.

As the situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile, the ceasefire has become a battleground for political and military strategies. Aoun’s call for a permanent agreement contrasts with Berri’s skepticism, creating uncertainty about Lebanon’s future. Meanwhile, the ongoing violence has deepened the humanitarian crisis, with families displaced and essential services disrupted. Analysts suggest that the ceasefire’s success depends on both parties’ ability to balance their strategic goals with the need to protect civilian populations.

International observers have expressed concern over the ceasefire’s effectiveness, citing the persistent targeting of homes and religious sites as evidence of Israel’s continued aggression. The Lebanese health ministry has documented the toll of the strikes, but critics argue that the data may understate the human cost. With the conflict showing no signs of abating, the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain, and the fate of the truce will likely hinge on mutual trust and adherence to its terms.

The Yellow Line, a key territorial boundary, has become a focal point for both sides. Israel claims it is operating within this area to neutralize Hezbollah threats, while Lebanese residents accuse the army of expanding its reach beyond the agreed limits. This territorial dispute has fueled fears of renewed hostilities, even as the ceasefire stands. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both parties to maintain restraint and prioritize humanitarian considerations.

As the conflict enters its second month under the ceasefire, the stakes for Lebanon’s political leaders have grown. Aoun’s push for a permanent agreement may gain momentum if the truce holds, but Berri’s opposition could stall progress. Meanwhile, the people of southern Lebanon face the daily reality of war, with evacuation orders and air raids adding to the uncertainty. The humanitarian toll, both in terms of lives lost and infrastructure damaged, continues to mount, testing the resilience of the ceasefire and the will of the Lebanese people to endure the conflict.