Deadly Israeli strikes kill nine in southern Lebanon as tensions escalate

Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of nine people and over a dozen wounded in southern Lebanon on Saturday morning, according to state media. The attacks targeted multiple towns and villages in the region, including Ansar, Deir al-Zahrani, and Ali al-Taher Heights. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that an Israeli strike in Ansar killed seven people and wounded others, while another strike in Deir al-Zahrani claimed at least two lives and injured several more.

The intensity of the bombardment forced many residents to evacuate their homes, according to Lebanese media reports. Children and family members were among those killed in the Ansar strike, intensifying fears among residents and deepening concerns about the escalating tensions. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rejected Israel's claim that the victims were military targets, stating that the seven people killed in the Ansar strike were civilians.

Salam emphasized that responsibility for any military infrastructure on Lebanese territory lies solely with the Lebanese state, and Israel has no right to violate Lebanese territory or endanger civilians. Hezbollah vowed to respond appropriately to the Israeli attacks and called for an end to "humiliating" negotiations with Israel.

The violence occurred despite a reduction in hostilities following a US-Iran memorandum of understanding and a subsequent US-sponsored framework, which called for Hezbollah's disarmament, Israeli forces' withdrawal from Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon. However, disagreements over the agreement's implementation persist, with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz asserting that Israel would maintain its presence in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed and the group's threat is removed.