11 Killed in Israeli Strikes on Southern Lebanon as Ceasefire Comes Under Strain

At least 11 people have been killed and several others injured in a series of Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities and state media, in the deadliest reported Israeli attack in the area since the latest ceasefire arrangements took effect.

The strikes hit areas around Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani in Nabatieh district early Saturday, with Lebanese officials saying seven people were killed in an attack on a house in Ansar and another four died in a separate strike on Deir al-Zahrani.

Among those killed in Ansar were reportedly three children and two women, according to Lebanese state media. Rescue teams searched the wreckage for victims and evacuated the dead and wounded from the affected areas.

The strikes triggered fresh concern over the fragile security situation in southern Lebanon, where tensions have remained high despite efforts to establish a lasting cessation of hostilities.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks and called for an immediate halt to the escalation, saying the safety of Lebanese civilians and their right to remain on their land should not be subject to negotiation. President Joseph Aoun also condemned what he described as repeated violations of the arrangements governing the conflict.

Israel’s military said its forces targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in the Nabatieh area and around Ansar. The Israeli government has continued to maintain that its military operations are aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities and threatening Israel.

The latest violence comes as Beirut and Tel Aviv pursue US-backed discussions concerning security arrangements in southern Lebanon. The deadly strikes have added further pressure to those diplomatic efforts.

The attacks have also drawn condemnation from Hezbollah, which accused Israel of targeting Lebanese civilians and warned that continued attacks would provoke a response.

The death toll could still change as rescue and assessment operations continue at the affected locations.