At least 39 killed in fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon
At least 39 killed in fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon
At least 39 killed in fresh – Saturday’s attacks by Israel across Lebanon intensified, leading to the deaths of at least thirty-nine individuals in the country’s southern regions, as confirmed by local officials. Despite a three-week-old ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was intended to reduce hostilities, the ongoing clashes have continued with little respite. The conflict remains centered in southern Lebanon, where frequent exchanges of fire persist, undermining the agreement’s effectiveness.
Hezbollah retaliated against the Israeli strikes by launching drone attacks into northern Israel, targeting military personnel on at least two occasions, according to the group’s claims. The Israeli military acknowledged the incidents, stating that “several” explosive drones had been deployed into its territory. One army reservist suffered severe injuries, while two others were moderately wounded during the assaults. These attacks, while targeting Hezbollah positions, have drawn criticism for potentially affecting uninvolved civilians, as the military noted its awareness of such reports and confirmed the details are under investigation.
Casualty Reports and Targeted Strikes
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) detailed the extent of the violence, citing multiple strikes across the southern regions. In the town of Saksakiyeh, an attack left “seven martyrs, including a girl, and 15 wounded, including three children,” as reported by the health ministry. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted “Hezbollah terrorists operating from within a structure used for military purposes,” though it admitted the possibility of civilian casualties. A separate incident in Nabatieh saw an Israeli strike on a motorbike, killing a Syrian national and his 12-year-old daughter. The health ministry described the sequence: the father initially survived the first strike but was later killed in a second drone attack. The girl, targeted “directly for a third time,” is currently undergoing life-saving procedures.
Another strike in Bedias resulted in one fatality and 13 injuries, including six children and two women. Although Israel had previously urged residents of nine villages to evacuate, citing plans to “act forcefully” against Hezbollah, the two locations of the fatal attacks were not among the warned areas. The NNA also reported two strikes on the Saadiyat highway, a site approximately 20 kilometers south of Beirut. These strikes, occurring outside Hezbollah’s traditional influence, marked a shift in the group’s operational focus. A third strike nearby further escalated the tension in the region.
Strategic Movements and Ceasefire Terms
Under the ceasefire terms brokered by Washington, Israel retains the authority to neutralize “planned, imminent or ongoing attacks” by Hezbollah. This provision has allowed the military to maintain operations within the Israeli-declared “yellow line,” a 10-kilometer border strip inside Lebanon where residents are cautioned against returning. The continued presence of Israeli forces in this zone has raised concerns about civilian exposure, particularly as the group’s rocket launches and drone strikes continue to threaten nearby communities.
The Israeli military’s recent activity included over 85 strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure within the past 24 hours, underscoring its commitment to weakening the group’s capabilities. This aggressive stance has been met with Hezbollah’s determination to respond. Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah lawmaker, warned of an impending “new phase” in the conflict, stating the group would “not accept a return to pre-March 2” conditions. The reference to March 2 highlights the escalation that began with Hezbollah’s retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader during US-Israeli operations.
Hezbollah’s Position and Diplomatic Efforts
Hezbollah’s strategy has evolved since March 2, when it launched rockets into Israel to avenge the death of its leader. Prior to this, the group had largely avoided direct attacks, relying instead on the 2024 ceasefire to mitigate hostilities. However, the resumption of strikes has pushed Hezbollah to adopt a more assertive approach, using rockets and drones to target Israeli military installations within Lebanon. Fadlallah described the ceasefire negotiations as a “path of concessions,” urging the Lebanese government to withdraw and prioritize indirect talks with Israel.
The ongoing conflict has claimed nearly 2,800 lives since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities. This figure includes dozens of casualties since the ceasefire was enacted, indicating that the truce has not significantly curtailed the violence. The recent strikes have reignited fears of a prolonged confrontation, with both sides demonstrating their readiness to escalate. The Lebanese government’s reports of civilian casualties, such as the motorbike incident, have intensified pressure on Israel to adjust its tactics and ensure greater precision in targeting.
Upcoming Talks and Regional Implications
Lebanese and Israeli representatives are set to meet again in Washington next week, aiming to address the mounting tensions. The first discussion, held days before US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire, laid the groundwork for the second round, which coincided with the three-week extension. Fadlallah criticized these meetings as a “path of concessions,” arguing they have not resolved the core issues of the conflict. His comments reflect Hezbollah’s broader stance that the Lebanese government must take a stronger position in favor of direct engagement with Israel.
While the ceasefire has provided a temporary pause, it has not addressed the underlying causes of the conflict. Hezbollah’s involvement in the Middle East war, triggered by the March 2 attacks, has complicated efforts to achieve lasting peace. The group’s persistent military actions, combined with Israel’s counterstrikes, have kept the region in a state of heightened alert. As the situation unfolds, the effectiveness of the ceasefire and the willingness of both parties to de-escalate will remain under scrutiny, with the lives of civilians continuing to be at risk in the process.
