Israeli forces killed nine people in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest days since a ceasefire was declared. The attacks targeted several villages, drawing sharp condemnation from the Lebanese government, which accused Israel of violating the truce.
According to Lebanese officials, the strikes hit residential areas and farmland, causing casualties that included civilians. The Israeli military claimed the operations were in response to threats from Hezbollah, but provided no specific evidence linking the targeted sites to militant activity.
The ceasefire, brokered by international mediators, had raised hopes for de-escalation after months of cross-border fire. However, recent weeks have seen frequent Israeli reconnaissance flights and occasional strikes, which Beirut says undermine the agreement.
Local residents reported panic and confusion, with many fleeing their homes. "We thought the fighting was over, but now it feels like there is no safe place," said a doctor at a nearby hospital.
The United Nations urged both sides to exercise restraint, warning that further violations could trigger a wider conflict. Lebanon plans to raise the issue at the UN Security Council, calling for international pressure on Israel to honor the ceasefire.
The incident threatens to unravel the fragile calm and raises fears of a renewed cycle of violence along the border.