Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals and left 37 people injured on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The Israeli military advised residents to evacuate seven towns situated beyond the previously established “buffer zone” that Israel had taken control of before the ceasefire. Despite the ceasefire, hostilities have persisted, with Sunday’s casualties including two children and two women, along with one Israeli soldier losing his life.
An Israeli military spokesperson accused the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire and announced Israel’s intention to take action against it. The military urged people to move towards the north and west, away from the towns located to the north of the Litani River and the area in southern Lebanon occupied by Israeli troops. Israeli forces continued their military operations, targeting Hezbollah fighters, rocket launchers, and a weapons depot in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the country’s commitment to ensuring the security of Israel, its soldiers, and its communities during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. Netanyahu stated that Israel would act decisively in accordance with the agreed-upon rules with the United States and Lebanon.
Hezbollah declared that it would persist in its attacks on Israeli troops within Lebanon and on towns in northern Israel as long as Israel continued to breach the ceasefire. The group criticized diplomatic efforts that have proven ineffective and expressed dissatisfaction with the Lebanese authorities for failing to protect the nation.
Earlier on Sunday, Hezbollah reported attacking Israeli troops in Lebanon and the rescue team sent to evacuate them. The Israeli military confirmed the death of one soldier and injuries to six others in the incident. Additionally, Israeli forces intercepted three drones before they entered Israeli territory following sirens in northern Israel.
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. and in effect since April 16, has led to a notable decrease in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. However, both sides have exchanged fire, blaming each other for violations. The ongoing violence has resulted in casualties, with over 2,500 individuals killed in Israeli airstrikes since the conflict began on March 2, following strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the casualties included 277 women, 177 children, and 100 medics. The ministry does not differentiate between militants and civilians in its casualty count. Hezbollah has not disclosed the total number of its fighters killed. In Israel, two civilians have died due to Hezbollah attacks, while 16 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in Lebanon since the conflict erupted.
