Fresh Israeli airstrikes killed at least 10 people in southern Lebanon on Saturday, only hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced, raising fears that the fragile truce could collapse before taking hold.
According to Reuters, the strikes targeted several locations in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, with casualties including a Lebanese soldier and members of a family killed when a residential building was hit in the village of Barish.
The attacks came despite a ceasefire agreement that was expected to halt hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.The renewed violence followed one of the deadliest days in Lebanon since the latest escalation began. Reuters reported on Friday that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire brokered through mediation involving the United States, Qatar and Iran.
The truce was due to take effect at 4 p.m. local time on Friday after intense fighting that left dozens dead.However, the ceasefire appeared to unravel almost immediately. The Israeli military said its latest strikes were carried out in response to more than 50 projectiles allegedly fired by Hezbollah forces overnight.
Israel maintained that it reserved the right to act against threats to its troops and territory even after the ceasefire came into effect.Lebanese state media reported that several of Saturday’s victims were civilians, including two children.
Anadolu Agency and other regional media outlets reported that at least eight people were killed in the latest strikes, while casualty figures varied as rescue teams continued operations in affected areas.The violence has also complicated wider diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
The ceasefire was seen as a key component of broader United States-Iran negotiations aimed at reducing tensions across the region. The Guardian reported that planned talks between Washington and Tehran were postponed amid concerns that continued fighting in Lebanon could derail diplomatic progress.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned that the group would continue to resist Israeli military actions if attacks persisted. His remarks underscored growing uncertainty over whether the ceasefire can survive amid ongoing accusations of violations from both sides.The conflict has inflicted a heavy toll on Lebanon.
According to figures cited by Reuters, nearly 3,912 people have been killed in Lebanon since the latest phase of hostilities erupted in March, while thousands more have been injured and large numbers displaced.
Israel has also reported military and civilian casualties resulting from Hezbollah attacks.International observers have urged both parties to respect the ceasefire and prevent a return to full-scale conflict.
Yet with fresh strikes continuing and both sides trading accusations, the situation remains highly volatile, casting doubt on the durability of the latest truce and the prospects for broader regional peace efforts.
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