Israel resumes military strikes on southern Lebanon as Rome hosts peace talks

Israel resumed airstrikes in southern Lebanon despite ongoing ceasefire talks, claiming the attacks were in response to a "blatant violation" by Hezbollah. Lebanese officials reported at least one civilian death and 11 injuries from a separate strike. The situation arises from a framework agreement reached in June, which aims to disarm Hezbollah, withdraw Israeli forces from Lebanon's south, and deploy the Lebanese army to "pilot zones".

This week's talks, held in Rome, are the seventh round of US-mediated negotiations since March, when Hezbollah's rocket attack on Israel escalated tensions. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion that Lebanon claims have killed over 4,300 people. On Wednesday, the Israeli military warned residents of the town of Mansouri to evacuate, citing Hezbollah's ceasefire violations.

The Israeli Defense Forces stated they must act against Hezbollah due to these violations. The town of Mansouri, located south of Tyre and north of Israel, has been subject to Israeli strikes and artillery shelling despite the ceasefire since June. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged Iran to halt Hezbollah's operations during his meeting with his Iranian counterpart, expressing hope for concrete results from the talks.

However, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the negotiations, accusing them of bringing "shame, humiliation" and successive concessions for Lebanon. Despite the ongoing violence, intermittent Israeli strikes and shelling have decreased since the Lebanon-Israel deal in June. However, Lebanon continues to experience sporadic Israeli attacks and explosions in southern villages.

Israel has suffered 38 casualties, including one civilian contractor, during its military operations in Lebanon.