Israeli Airstrikes Continue in Lebanon Despite Ceasefire Agreement

Beirut:  Israeli airstrikes continued across parts of Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement reached following direct talks between the two sides in the United States, according to Lebanese media reports and officials.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli warplanes targeted the Al Qatrani area in the Jezzine district of southern Lebanon and the town of Qlaileh in Nabatieh Governorate during the early hours of Sunday.

According to Lebanese sources, seven people were killed and several others injured in airstrikes on various areas of southern Lebanon on Saturday evening. Earlier the same day, a man and a woman were killed and several others, including paramedics, were wounded in a series of strikes on the city of Nabatieh and nearby towns.

The sources added that two officers and a soldier were killed in an Israeli attack targeting a Lebanese army patrol on the Khardali road in Nabatieh.

The Israeli military announced the deaths of two of its soldiers.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack that killed the Lebanese soldiers, describing it as a flagrant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. He said the incident forms part of an ongoing escalation that threatens stability and security in southern Lebanon despite efforts made during negotiations in Washington to halt Israeli attacks.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that the incidents constitute a serious violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

The European Union mission in Lebanon said the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States offers an opportunity to end the conflict and achieve lasting peace and security. It reiterated the EU’s readiness to support implementation of the agreement and called for full compliance with Resolution 1701.

The Muslim World League also condemned the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including the targeting of Lebanese army personnel. Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa said the attacks represent a serious violation of international and humanitarian law, reaffirming the League’s solidarity with Lebanon and support for its security, stability and sovereignty.