Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals and injuries to 37 people on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The Israeli military advised residents to evacuate seven towns located outside the “buffer zone” it had taken control of before the ceasefire, which has not completely halted hostilities.
Among those killed on Sunday were two children and two women, as reported by the health ministry. Israel confirmed the death of one of its soldiers as the fragile ceasefire faced additional challenges.
An Israeli military spokesperson stated that the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was breaching the ceasefire, prompting Israel to take action. Residents were warned to move towards the north and west, away from the towns situated north of the Litani River and the area in southern Lebanon under Israeli occupation. The military disclosed targeting Hezbollah fighters, rocket launchers, and a weapons depot.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the country’s commitment to ensuring the security of its soldiers and communities during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. He reiterated that Israel was acting in accordance with agreements made with the United States and Lebanon.
Hezbollah declared its intention to continue attacking Israeli troops within Lebanon and towns in northern Israel as long as Israel persisted in violating the ceasefire terms. The group criticized diplomatic efforts as ineffective and expressed a lack of confidence in Lebanese authorities to protect the country.
Earlier on Sunday, Hezbollah reported attacking Israeli troops and the rescue team sent to evacuate them within Lebanon. The Israeli military confirmed one soldier’s death and six injuries. Additionally, Israel intercepted three drones before they entered Israeli territory following sirens in northern Israel.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which started on April 16 and was extended to mid-May, has led to a notable decrease in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. However, both sides have continued to engage in hostilities, blaming each other for violations.
Since the outbreak of the recent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel on March 2, more than 2,500 individuals have lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the casualties include 277 women, 177 children, and 100 medics. The ministry does not differentiate between militants and civilians in its tally, and Hezbollah has not disclosed the total number of its fighters killed. Israeli authorities stated that two civilians in Israel and 16 Israeli soldiers in Lebanon have been killed since March 2 due to Hezbollah attacks.