Several reported killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite ceasefire
TL;DR
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have reportedly killed at least 11 people, occurring just after a ceasefire with Hezbollah was announced. The strikes targeted multiple areas following Hezbollah's attack on Israeli forces.
Key points
- Israeli airstrikes killed at least 11 people in southern Lebanon
- Strikes occurred after a ceasefire with Hezbollah was announced
- Israeli military targeted Hezbollah after projectiles were fired at them
- Washington criticized Israel's operations in Lebanon
- Tensions may affect the US peace deal with Iran
Mentioned in this story
Several people have reportedly been killed by Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, less than 24 hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced.
The Lebanese state news agency said at least 11 people have been killed after Israeli warplanes, drones, and artillery targeted more than a dozen areas, many around the city of Nabatieh.
The Israeli military said it struck "Hezbollah targets" after the group fired over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Washington has criticised Israel's ongoing operations in Lebanon, which was drawn into the US-Iran war when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in March, in retaliation for a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader.
Washington also fears that continued tensions between Israel and Lebanon could undermine the US peace deal with Iran, which includes a commitment to end fighting on "all fronts" including Lebanon. Tehran has insisted that Lebanon must be part of any broader agreement to end the conflict.
US envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reported to be heading to Switzerland for initial talks with Iran to help cement the agreement.
The Israeli military has not responded to the latest air strikes, but a spokesperson on Friday - after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire - said its forces would "continue to remove immediate threats".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under domestic pressure to continue military action against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shia Muslim political and military group in Lebanon.
Hezbollah has said that if Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon persists, it will continue its attacks.
Earlier this week, the White House criticised the Israeli government's military operation in Lebanon, saying it risks scuppering the peace deal. But speaking near Washington as he unveiled a new Air Force One jet, President Donald Trump praised Netanyahu, calling him a "warrior".
When Hezbollah launched its rockets and drones into Israel in early March, drawing Lebanon into the Iran conflict, Israel responded by launching a bombing campaign across Lebanon. It is occupying around 5% of the country's territory in the south, with the aim of driving back Hezbollah fighters from its northern border.
Around a million people remain displaced, while dozens of communities in the south have been completely destroyed.
Q&A
How many people were killed in the recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon?
At least 11 people have been reported killed due to the Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
What triggered the Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon after the ceasefire?
The Israeli military conducted airstrikes after Hezbollah fired over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
What are the implications of the Israeli strikes for US-Iran relations?
The ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon could undermine the US peace deal with Iran, which aims to end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
