Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in at least five fatalities on Friday, while the Iran-backed Hezbollah group launched rockets towards northern Israel, causing no casualties. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported four deaths and eight injuries from an Israeli strike in the village of Toura near Tyre, along with another strike in Kfar Chouba that killed a Lebanese Civil Defense paramedic.
The Israeli military had issued evacuation warnings to residents of six villages in Tyre province, including Toura, prior to the airstrikes. Hezbollah later fired rockets at northern Israel, with one rocket intercepted by Israeli forces and the others landing in uninhabited areas.
Despite a ceasefire in place since April 17, violence continued, with Israel conducting an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs recently, targeting a Hezbollah commander. The Lebanese President urged European countries to pressure Israel to uphold the ceasefire and refrain from destructive actions in occupied villages.
European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib emphasized the need for Hezbollah to cease attacks and disarm, while calling for Israel to limit its airstrikes on humanitarian facilities. Talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to take place in Washington next week, following an escalation of hostilities between both sides.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah reignited in March, escalating into airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon. The two nations, formally at war since Israel’s establishment in 1948, have engaged in rare direct talks recently, facilitated by international efforts to establish and maintain ceasefires.
