Israel launches airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah and Hamas militants

Israeli Military Launches Attacks on Hezbollah and Hamas Targets in Lebanon

The Israeli military has launched air strikes on what it described as “military infrastructure” of Hezbollah and Hamas in four villages in eastern and southern Lebanon. The attacks follow an evacuation order issued for the villages of Hammara, Ain el-Tineh, Kfar Hatta, and Aanan.

According to reports, dozens of families have fled the village of Kfar Hatta after receiving a warning from Israeli authorities due to drone activity in the area. Ambulances and fire trucks are on standby at the scene.

The latest attacks come after a deadly Israeli strike on a vehicle in the Ayn al-Mizrab area north of Bint Jbeil, which left two people dead. The Israeli military stated that the attack targeted a Hezbollah member.

Israel has continued its military operations despite a US-brokered ceasefire in 2024, which ended over a year of heavy fighting between its forces and Hezbollah. The ceasefire was intended to bring an end to hostilities, but Israel has repeatedly violated it with bombardment.

The Israeli military has occupied five areas in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect. Lebanon’s leaders are concerned that Israel may escalate strikes, putting pressure on the country to disarm Hezbollah.

A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week reportedly gave Israel a “green light” to escalate its operations against Hezbollah. The Lebanese government is expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss the army’s progress in disarming Hezbollah.

A ceasefire monitoring committee, including peacekeepers from Lebanon, Israel, France, the United States, and the United Nations, will meet in the upcoming week. The UN has reported that at least 127 civilians, including children, have been killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect in late 2024.

Source: Al Jazeera