Israel launches military operation in southern Lebanon, killing nine civilians

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Israeli Forces Intensify Attacks on Southern Lebanon

At least nine people have been killed and over 70 injured in recent attacks by Israeli forces on southern Lebanon, according to reports from the country’s National News Agency (NNA). The attacks come despite a three-week extension to the US-mediated ceasefire announced last week.

In the municipality of Jebchit, three people were killed and seven wounded in an attack that destroyed a residential building. In Toul, four people were killed and six wounded. Additionally, two people were killed in Harouf, with a house also being destroyed in the attack.

Artillery shelling has been reported in several towns in southern Lebanon, including Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Yohmor al-Shaqif, and Bayt al-Sayyad. In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli air attacks have killed more than 20 people, including two families, two Lebanese army soldiers, and three paramedics.

The Israeli Defense Minister has issued forced displacement threats for 15 southern Lebanese towns and villages, including Jebchit, Toul, and others. The US-mediated ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah was extended by three weeks last week.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has denounced the “continuing Israeli violations” in southern Lebanon, stating that they are occurring despite the ceasefire. He called for international pressure to be exerted on Israel to ensure it respects international laws and conventions.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has also called for an international fact-finding committee on the crimes of the Israeli occupation. The Lebanese government, Israel, and the US have sought to distance the talks from US talks with Iran.

According to the latest figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, at least 2,576 people have been killed in Lebanon since March 2, with 7,962 wounded.

Source: Al Jazeera