Israel launches airstrike in Lebanon, killing at least five people

At least five people have been killed in Israeli air attacks on southern and eastern Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry. The attacks targeted several municipalities, including Tayr Felsay, Tayr Debba, Az-Zrariyah, and Jebchit, as well as the village of Jouaiya. In addition, residents in five villages were issued forced displacement orders.

The Israeli military has also launched attacks on other areas, including Sohmor, Roumine, al-Qusaibah, Kfar Hounah, and Naqoura in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that at least three people were killed in a separate attack on the village of Jouaiya.

A ceasefire extension between Israel and Hezbollah was agreed upon during talks in Washington, DC, but the attacks on Sunday suggest that the agreement is not being fully observed. The Israeli military has stated that it is “holding territory, clearing territory, protecting Israel’s communities” while also fighting an enemy that is trying to outsmart them.

Since the war resumed on March 2, at least 2,988 people have been killed and 9,210 injured in Israeli attacks across Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The US has facilitated a 45-day ceasefire extension, which is intended to allow for a security track to begin on May 29.

Hezbollah has expressed opposition to direct negotiations with Israel, citing concerns about the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The organization’s legislator, Hussein Hajj Hassan, stated that the talks have led to “one concession after another” and that authorities are creating “very big predicaments” for the country.

The conflict is having a significant humanitarian impact, with over 1.2 million people forced to leave their homes due to fighting between March and April, according to the Danish Refugee Council. The war has also had a devastating economic impact, with Lebanon suffering more than $25 billion in direct and indirect losses since Israel’s war started in 2024.

Source: Al Jazeera