BEIRUT, Lebanon: Israeli air strikes killed at least six people in southern Lebanon on Saturday, including three paramedics, Lebanese authorities said, only hours after Israel and Lebanon agreed in Washington to extend a fragile ceasefire for another 45 days.
The Israeli strikes hit several villages in southern Lebanon and triggered a new wave of civilian displacement, according to Lebanese state media.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that at least five villages came under Israeli bombardment.
An air strike on Friday targeted a clinic operated by the Hezbollah-linked Islamic Health Committee, killing six people, including three paramedics, Lebanese authorities said.
The Israeli military confirmed carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon, saying it had targeted “Hezbollah infrastructure” and fighters preparing rocket attacks against Israeli troops.
The latest escalation came a day after Israeli and Lebanese envoys concluded talks in Washington and agreed to extend a month-long, partially observed ceasefire brokered by the United States.
Under the agreement, the truce will continue for another 45 days and a US-supervised security coordination mechanism between the Lebanese and Israeli armies will be established, according to Lebanese officials.
The Lebanese presidency welcomed the extension, saying in a statement that it would provide “critical breathing space” for civilians and help support long-term stability.
“The extension of the ceasefire and the establishment of a US-facilitated security track provide critical breathing space for our citizens, reinforce state institutions, and advance a political pathway toward lasting stability,” the presidency said.
The next round of negotiations is expected to take place in Washington on June 2 and 3, according to NNA.
However, Hezbollah condemned the talks and accused the Lebanese government of making concessions while Israeli military operations continue in southern Lebanon.
The group said Israel had failed to fully observe the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump on April 17.
NNA reported that Israeli warplanes struck the town of Tayr Falsayh in the Tyre district, killing a woman, her son and a paramedic. Five other civilians were wounded.
Separate strikes in Haboush killed a husband and wife, according to Lebanese media reports.
Israeli warplanes also targeted Yohmor al-Shaqif, while artillery shelling hit Kfar Tebnit, Arnoun and surrounding roads, NNA reported.
The Israeli military also issued new displacement warnings for residents of several villages near Sidon and Nabatieh, including Qaaqaaiyet, al-Snoubar, Kaouthariyet al-Saiyad, al-Marwaniyah and al-Ghassaniyah.
The Israeli army said one of its officers was killed in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
Lebanon’s health ministry says at least 2,969 people have been killed and 9,112 wounded since fighting between Israel and Hezbollah resumed on March 2.
