BEIRUT, Lebanon: Israeli air strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon killed at least six people on Wednesday, Lebanese health authorities said, despite the ceasefire.
An Israeli strike on the town of Zellaya in the eastern Bekaa Valley killed at least four people, including local municipal head Ali Qassem Ahmad and three members of his family, Lebanon’s health ministry and the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.
The strike in Zellaya hit a residential building, with Lebanese state media saying it targeted the home of the town’s mayor.
The attack occurred shortly before the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings covering Zellaya and 11 other towns and villages in southern Lebanon.
In southern Lebanon, two more people were killed when Israeli forces shelled the village of Mayfadoun, NNA said.
Additional air strikes and artillery bombardment were reported across several areas, including a strike on a vehicle and damage to homes and infrastructure.
One strike hit the town of Yohmor al-Shaqeef, with smoke seen rising near the historic Beaufort Castle, AFP reported.
Al Jazeera also reported Israeli air strikes in parts of the Tyre District.
The Israeli military said in a statement that it had “begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several areas in Lebanon” and renewed evacuation warnings for residents in affected villages.
Residents of 12 villages were instructed to remain at least one kilometre away from their homes.
Most of the areas were north of the Litani River, outside zones currently occupied by Israeli forces.
Israel said the strikes were in response to ceasefire violations by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah said it had carried out attacks on Israeli forces and vehicles in several border areas.
The Lebanese group said the operations were in response to “the Israeli enemy’s violation of the ceasefire”.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and in force since April 17, has come under repeated strain, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,700 people since fighting resumed on March 2, including dozens since the ceasefire took effect, according to AFP.
