“Israeli” strikes on Lebanon intensify, violating ceasefire agreement

Tensions continue to rise in southern Lebanon as the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) conduct fresh airstrikes targeting sites allegedly linked to Hezbollah. 

These actions come amid repeated breaches of a ceasefire agreement intended to de-escalate hostilities between “Israel” and Hezbollah.

According to an IOF statement, the targets included a rocket launcher, a military site, and routes allegedly used for transferring weapons on the Syrian-Lebanese border.

Read more: “Israel” threatens Hezbollah with force over Lebanon ceasefire

“Israel” claimed these sites posed immediate threats and stated that international monitors of the ceasefire mechanism were informed about the alleged risks prior to the strikes.

The IOF emphasized its intent to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities, asserting it would continue operations in alignment with ceasefire understandings.

Mounting ceasefire violations

The ceasefire deal, effective since Nov. 27, 2024, was intended to end over 14 months of aggression between the “Israeli” army and Hezbollah, stemming from the ongoing Gaza war. 

The agreement involved phased “Israeli” withdrawal south of the Blue Line—a de facto border—and the deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

However, “Israel” has been accused of breaching the agreement repeatedly. Lebanese authorities reported over 470 violations, resulting in the deaths of 32 people and injuries to 39 others. Violations include airstrikes, incursions, artillery shelling, and drone surveillance over southern Lebanon.

Recent strikes and ground operations

Lebanese media reported that “Israeli” reconnaissance drones flew at low altitudes over Tyre, while IOF forces demolished homes in the southern town of Ayta ash-Shaab. Ground operations were also reported in Khiam and Meiss Al-Jabal, where “Israeli” military vehicles advanced into the area.

 Lebanese Armed Forces delayed their planned deployment in Meiss Al-Jabal on Monday, citing the ongoing “Israeli” violations. Al-Manar News Network reported that Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) troops may resume their deployment within 48 hours to facilitate the return of civilians to their homes.

In another incident, “Israeli” fighter jets targeted the outskirts of Houmin Al-Fawqa in Nabatieh district. These strikes coincided with a Lebanese parliamentary session where Army Commander Joseph Aoun was elected president.

Humanitarian toll and international response

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports catastrophic losses since the “Israeli” offensive began on Oct. 8, 2023. At least 4,068 people, including women, children, and healthcare workers, have been killed, and 16,668 others injured.

The ceasefire, brokered with the involvement of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United States, is under severe strain as “Israel” continues to justify its actions as self-defense.