Israel conducts multiple airstrikes in southern Lebanon, violating ceasefire

International Desk, PNN

Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes in Blat and Wadi Barghuti areas of the Iqlim al-Tuffah region in southern Lebanon. Local sources and media reports say these strikes have sparked new tensions since the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Israeli military stated that the operations targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon. However, observers report that airstrikes are occurring almost daily, affecting civilian areas and infrastructure.

Lebanese Al-Mayadin TV claimed that Israeli warplanes dropped bombs continuously on the elevated hilly areas of Tuffah. Meanwhile, Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV claimed that an Israeli quadcopter drone dropped explosives in Markaba city.

No immediate casualty reports were available, with most strikes targeting forested and mountainous areas. Israeli fighter patrols continue over southern Lebanon’s airspace.

Earlier Thursday, an Israeli attack in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon killed at least one person and injured 29. Local media reported that the deceased was a 16-year-old Syrian boy near Kafr Dan, close to Baalbek.

The conflict, which began in October 2023, escalated into full-scale war by September 2024. Even after the November ceasefire, over 300 people were killed, many of them civilians, according to UN data.

The Lebanese government stated that the first phase of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River is nearly complete, with the second phase requiring several more months. However, Hezbollah says disarmament only applies to specific areas and will not surrender arms if Israeli attacks and occupation continue.

Experts say that despite the ceasefire, tensions persist in border areas, and without diplomatic initiatives, the situation could escalate into large-scale conflict again.