Israel launches military operation in Lebanon following extended ceasefire

At least five people have been killed in Israeli air attacks on several locations in southern and eastern Lebanon. The Health Ministry reported that more than a dozen people were injured in the attacks, which targeted municipalities in Tayr Felsay, Tayr Debba, Az-Zrariyah, and Jebchit. A separate attack on the village of Jouaiya also resulted in at least three fatalities.

The Israeli military issued forced displacement orders to residents in several villages in southern Lebanon, including Sohmor, Roumine, al-Qusaibah, Kfar Hounah, and Naqoura.

According to reports from Al Jazeera, the situation in southern Lebanon has been described as “violent” by local correspondent Obaida Hitto. The ceasefire extension agreed upon with Hezbollah is not being observed, with Israel intensifying its attacks despite the agreement.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 2,988 people have been killed and 9,210 injured in Israeli attacks since the war resumed on March 2. 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 disarmament and occupation. The organization’s legislator, Hussein Hajj Hassan, stated that the talks have led to “one concession after another” and warned that authorities are creating “big predicaments” for the country.

The war is having a significant humanitarian impact, with over 1.2 million people forced to leave their homes due to fighting between March and April. The conflict is also affecting the economy, with estimates suggesting that Lebanon has suffered more than $25 billion in direct and indirect losses since Israel’s war started in 2024.

Source: Al Jazeera