Key Points
- Israeli raids kill at least 20 in Lebanon
- Ceasefire breached within hours of taking effect
- Hezbollah reports clashes with Israeli forces
- Regional tensions threaten fragile diplomacy
ISLAMABAD: A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to unravel within hours of taking effect after Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley killed at least 20 people, according to Lebanese authorities, raising fears of a renewed escalation in the conflict.
The strikes came shortly after a US-brokered truce was announced as part of a tentative understanding between the United States and Iran. However, both Israel and Hezbollah quickly accused each other of violating the agreement, according to international media reports.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes and drones targeted multiple locations across the south and eastern Bekaa region.
Civil defence officials said the death toll reached at least 20, making it one of the deadliest days since the latest ceasefire arrangement was announced.
Israel cites Hezbollah attacks
Israeli military officials said the strikes were launched in response to attacks by Hezbollah fighters. It claimed that more than 50 projectiles had been fired at Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon overnight.
The Israeli military maintained that it remained committed to the ceasefire but would continue to act against what it described as threats to its forces and national security, according to Reuters
One Israeli soldier was reported killed and several others wounded in clashes before the retaliatory strikes, according to Israeli accounts, reported the New York Post.
Hezbollah rejects Israeli claims
Hezbollah, however, said its fighters had confronted Israeli troops attempting to advance into Lebanese territory and insisted the group remained committed to the ceasefire.
A senior Hezbollah official stated that the movement would not allow Israeli forces “freedom of movement” inside Lebanon and would respond to any attempt to expand what it views as Israeli occupation, according to CNA.
The group accused Israel of violating the truce through continued military operations and incursions into southern Lebanon.
Civilian casualties mount
Among the deadliest incidents was an airstrike on a residential building in the town of Barish in the Tyre district, where a family of four, including two children, was killed.
Lebanese military sources also reported that an Israeli strike killed a Lebanese soldier near Nabatieh.
Lebanon’s health ministry says nearly 4,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the conflict intensified in March, including civilians, medical workers, women and children.
Diplomatic efforts under pressure
The renewed violence has cast doubt over overall diplomatic initiatives intended to stabilise the region.
The ceasefire in Lebanon was viewed as a key condition for launching longer-term US-Iran talks on regional security and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Analysts warn that continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah could undermine efforts to secure a settlement and increase the risk of further confrontation involving Iran and other regional actors.
As international mediators push to preserve the ceasefire, the latest exchange of attacks underscores the volatility of the Israel-Hezbollah front and the challenges facing efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
