Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Lebanon Despite Ceasefire Violations

Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Lebanon Despite Ceasefire

Tensions continue to rise in the Middle East as Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed dozens of people within just a few days, despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 17 people were killed on Monday alone. This brings the total death toll since Thursday to around 110, making it one of the deadliest periods since the ceasefire began over two weeks ago.

Civilians Among the Victims

Officials in Lebanon reported that the casualties include civilians, although the exact breakdown between fighters and non-combatants has not been clarified. Among the victims are children, with two reported dead and at least 14 injured. The rising number of civilian casualties has increased concern over the humanitarian situation in southern Lebanon.

Israel Targets Hezbollah Positions

Israel says its operations are aimed at the armed group Hezbollah, which it accuses of launching hundreds of rockets and drone attacks.

The Israeli military stated that its actions are defensive and necessary to counter “imminent threats.” It also reported that 17 Israeli soldiers have been killed during the same period.

Evacuation Warnings Issued

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents in several southern Lebanese villages to move at least 1km away from their homes. These areas lie outside the so-called “yellow line,” a buffer zone extending about 10km from the Israeli border, where Israel claims it still has the right to operate under the ceasefire terms. Lebanese officials, however, strongly reject this interpretation and accuse Israel of repeatedly violating the agreement.

Hezbollah Responds With Counterattacks

Hezbollah has acknowledged launching multiple counterattacks, including drone strikes and rocket fire targeting Israeli troops in border regions such as Naqoura and Qantara. The group described these actions as retaliation against Israeli bombardment of Lebanese villages. It also claimed to have used artillery and so-called “kamikaze drones” in earlier strikes.

Political Tensions and Failed Diplomacy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah’s growing drone capabilities pose a serious threat and said it could take time to neutralize them. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon have shown little progress. Talks held in the United States marked the first high-level contact in decades, but no concrete outcomes have been achieved. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has called on Israel to fully respect the ceasefire before any further negotiations can take place.

Hezbollah Rejects Negotiation Process

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem criticized ongoing diplomatic talks, claiming they serve political interests rather than bringing real solutions. He argued that negotiations benefit Israel and the United States, particularly in the context of internal political agendas.

Rising Death Toll Since March

Since the latest wave of fighting began on March 2, Lebanon’s health ministry estimates that more than 2,600 people have been killed. However, a Hezbollah source suggested that fewer than 1,000 of those killed were fighters, indicating a significant number of civilian casualties.

Conclusion

The situation in southern Lebanon remains highly unstable, with both sides accusing each other of breaking the ceasefire. As violence escalates and diplomacy stalls, the risk of a wider conflict continues to grow.