BEIRUT: Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 13 people, Lebanese health authorities said, in the latest escalation despite an ongoing ceasefire.
According to the health ministry, eight people, including a child and two women, were killed in strikes on the town of Habboush, where Israeli forces had earlier issued an evacuation warning. The attacks also left 21 others wounded.
Additional strikes in Zrariyeh killed four people, including two women, while another attack in Ain Baal near the coastal city of Tyre claimed one life and injured seven more.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) said Israeli warplanes “launched a series of heavy strikes… less than an hour after” the evacuation warning.
Despite the ceasefire announced on April 17 to halt weeks of conflict, Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon. Troops are active within a “Yellow Line” zone extending roughly 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory, where demolitions and military actions are ongoing.
The NNA reported that Israeli troops carried out detonations in several locations, including Shamaa and Yaroun, where buildings such as homes, shops, a monastery and a school were destroyed.
Lebanese authorities say more than 2,600 people have been killed since hostilities began in March, including over 100 emergency workers.
International aid officials expressed concern for humanitarian teams operating in the region, warning that volunteers “fear for their lives” while carrying out rescue missions amid continued violence.
