Israeli Strike Kills One in Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

An Israeli airstrike on a major highway in southern Lebanon has claimed the life of one person, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported on Monday, as Israel continues to escalate its military actions against its northern neighbour.

Over the weekend, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of five additional individuals, with Israel accusing its Iran-backed adversary, Hezbollah, of rearming.

The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed on Monday that “an Israeli strike on a car in the area of Baissariyeh killed one person.” An AFP journalist at the scene observed a bombed-out car on the road connecting the cities of Sidon and Tyre, as traffic congestion built up while rescuers worked to retrieve the victim’s remains.

Although a ceasefire has been in place since November 2024, Israel has maintained its military operations in Lebanon, where it still controls five positions. The continued strikes have sparked condemnation from various international bodies, including the European Union. On Saturday, the EU joined a growing number of critics, calling for Israel to “cease all actions that violate the ceasefire agreement reached a year ago.”

The latest escalation follows statements from Lebanese President Michel Aoun, who accused Israel of rejecting Lebanon’s diplomatic overtures, further complicating efforts towards de-escalation.