Three Killed in Israeli Strikes on Southern Lebanon, Despite Ceasefire

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday that three individuals were killed in Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement in place since November.

According to the ministry, the first strike targeted a vehicle in Tyre district, killing one person. A subsequent strike on the town of Debaal, also in Tyre district, killed two more individuals. The state-run National News Agency (NNA) stated that the second strike targeted a residential property.

Israeli Military Confirms Targeting Hezbollah Commander

In a separate statement, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that they “struck and eliminated” a Hezbollah commander, who was allegedly involved in rebuilding the group’s operations near Bint Jbeil, a southern town close to the Israeli border. However, the IDF did not confirm the exact location of the strike.

“The individual was engaged in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organisation in the area of Bint Jbeil,” said the IDF statement.

Breakdown of Reported Incidents

Ceasefire Violations and Regional Tensions

The incidents occurred despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November, which was meant to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah after over a year of conflict, including a two-month period of open warfare.

Under the terms of the truce:

• Hezbollah was to withdraw fighters north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border.
• The Lebanese Armed Forces and UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) were to be the only authorised armed forces in the southern region.
• Israel was to withdraw all military forces from Lebanese territory.

Despite this, Israel has retained a military presence in five strategic zones in Lebanon and continues to launch strikes, citing national security threats.

Israeli officials maintain that military action will continue until Hezbollah is fully disarmed, accusing the Iran-backed group of ongoing violations of the ceasefire terms.

Ongoing Instability

Saturday’s attacks highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the volatility of the Israeli-Lebanese border, with growing concern among international observers about the potential for renewed large-scale conflict. The situation remains tense, as both sides accuse the other of violations, and civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence.