Four Killed as Israeli Strikes Hit Southern Lebanon Amid Fragile Ceasefire

At least four people, including two women, were killed and about 20 others wounded after Israeli airstrikes hit several areas of southern Lebanon on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and local officials.

The strikes struck locations around Nabatieh, Arab Salim, Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Reman, with the heaviest reported casualties in Arab Salim and Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Two women were killed in Arab Salim, while two men were reported killed in Nabatieh al-Fawqa.

The Israeli military said the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as the launch of two drones by Hezbollah toward Israeli troops operating inside an area Israel has designated as a security zone in southern Lebanon. Israel said one of the drones was intercepted and that no Israeli soldiers were wounded.

Before the strikes, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning to residents around a building in Arab Salim, saying the structure was being used by Hezbollah. Residents were instructed to move at least 300 metres away from the area.

Lebanese reports said the strikes also damaged or destroyed several buildings, including a structure in Nabatieh and parts of a municipal park. In Arab Salim, rescue teams searched through the rubble following the attack.

The latest violence comes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework reached in June between Israel and Hezbollah. The truce has reduced the intensity of fighting but has failed to completely halt Israeli strikes and Hezbollah activity.

Israel continues to operate troops inside what it describes as a security zone in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military also said earlier this week that it had established operational control over the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge, an area it says contains Hezbollah underground positions.

Hezbollah has not immediately commented on Sunday’s strikes or Israel’s account of the drone attack.

The latest deaths add to the growing toll from the renewed conflict. Reuters reports that Israeli strikes since March 2 have killed more than 4,300 people in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities.

The escalation also comes as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent the conflict from developing into a broader regional war.