Israel kills three in attacks on Lebanon, issues more displacement orders | News
At Least Three Killed in Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon
At least three individuals have died following Israeli airstrikes targeting vehicles in southern Lebanon, as reported by the country’s National News Agency (NNA). The Israeli military has issued new orders for the forced displacement of residents in the region.
Early Monday, Israeli drone attacks struck three vehicles along the Kafr Rumman-Jarmaq highway and the Jarmaq-Khardali road in the Nabatieh area, according to the NNA.
In response to ongoing hostilities, the Israeli military ordered residents from ten villages to evacuate in anticipation of additional strikes. Colonel Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the Israeli military, cited “Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire agreement” in a social media post. He specifically urged residents to leave their homes and move at least 1,000 meters away from the affected towns and villages for their safety.
The evacuation warning applies to residents in Nabatieh al-Tahta, al-Louizeh, Sajd, Ain Qana, Harouf, Zibdin, Kfar Reman, Doueir, Adshit al-Shaqif, and Maydun, most of which are located in southern Lebanon.
Israeli airstrikes also resulted in the destruction of two homes in the Arzoun municipality of Tyre, and rescue teams have been dispatched to assist the injured. Additional attacks were reported in the towns of al-Mansouri, Siddiqin, Zibqin, Qlayaa, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, and al-Haniya.
Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut, noted the persistent presence of Israeli drones over the Lebanese capital and its southern suburbs for the second consecutive day.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, more than 3,000 people have died since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah resumed on March 2.
Continued Hostilities Amid Casualties
The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that one soldier was killed in southern Lebanon during an altercation with Hezbollah, while another was injured. Reports suggest that both casualties resulted from a Hezbollah drone attack. Since hostilities resumed, a total of 23 Israeli soldiers and one civilian contractor have been killed.
Despite a U.S.-mediated ceasefire that went into effect on April 17 and was extended into early July, Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and Beirut have persisted.
Lebanese Officials Demand Israeli Withdrawal
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on Monday that Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon remains a “non-negotiable” demand, emphasizing a commitment to pursue this aim through negotiations ahead of a new round of talks scheduled in Washington, D.C. Aoun made his remarks on the anniversary of Israeli forces’ withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, highlighting the current challenges facing the country.
“Israeli attacks have not stopped, and our dear southern villages are still suffering under a renewed occupation,” he stated.
Lebanon and Israel began landmark U.S.-brokered negotiations last month, with plans for a fourth round in early June, following a meeting of military delegations at the Pentagon on May 29.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem reiterated his opposition to direct negotiations with Israel and emphasized the group’s refusal to disarm. He questioned the Lebanese government’s capability to guarantee sovereignty, suggesting it should step aside.
In related developments, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that discussions between Washington and Tehran regarding the U.S.-Israel war on Iran would also address the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
