Dec 03, (V7N) - In a tragic escalation on Monday, nine people were killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting villages in southern Lebanon. The strikes followed Hezbollah's recent attack on Israeli positions, further straining the fragile ceasefire that came into effect last Wednesday to end the devastating conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many on both sides of the border.

Israel's military stated that it targeted "Hezbollah operatives, multiple launch sites, and militant infrastructure across Lebanon." They called on Lebanese authorities to prevent further Hezbollah activity. According to Lebanon's health ministry, five casualties occurred in Haris village, with two others wounded, while four more were killed in Tallous.

Earlier, Hezbollah acknowledged firing projectiles at Israeli positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms area. Israel, in response, accused Hezbollah of a "serious breach" of the truce. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a firm reaction, emphasizing Israel's commitment to the ceasefire but warning against any violations. Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed this stance, pledging a "severe response" to Hezbollah's actions.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds about 20 kilometers from the border. Meanwhile, Nabih Berri, Lebanon's parliamentary speaker, accused Israel of multiple ceasefire breaches, describing the strikes as "blatant violations." Berri, a mediator of the truce and Hezbollah ally, called for accountability from Israel and urged the ceasefire monitoring committee—comprising France, the U.S., and UN peacekeepers—to address the situation.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged both sides to respect the ceasefire, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar insisted their actions were defensive, targeting Hezbollah's alleged violations, including weapons movements south of the Litani River.

Under the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah must withdraw from southern areas and dismantle its military infrastructure, with the Lebanese army and UN forces gradually replacing Israeli troops. However, both sides have accused each other of breaching the agreement, with Israel citing over 50 violations by Hezbollah.

The conflict escalated significantly in late September, shifting from Gaza to Lebanon as Israel sought to secure its northern border from Hezbollah. The ongoing hostilities remain a significant challenge for the ceasefire's sustainability, with international actors calling for restraint to avoid further deterioration.

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