Lebanon state media says Israeli strike on south kills 7

Lebanon's state media reported that an Israeli airstrike in the southern region claimed the lives of seven people, marking the highest death toll since a ceasefire was reached in June between Israel and Hezbollah. The National News Agency (NNA) detailed that the strike targeted a residence on the outskirts of the Ansar village, resulting in the destruction of the home and leaving seven deceased and three wounded.

Emergency teams were dispatched to clear debris and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The escalation in hostilities began in March when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel in support of Iran. In response, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion, which the Lebanese authorities estimate have resulted in over 4,300 casualties.

Although violence has diminished since the signing of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding and a US-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel in June, sporadic Israeli strikes continue to result in casualties, alongside the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in southern villages and towns. The NNA further reported that another airstrike was conducted in the valley between Ansar and Zarariyeh, the first such attack at this proximity since the ceasefire.

Additionally, Israeli warplanes targeted the Ali al-Taher ridge, a strategic hill overlooking the Nabatieh region, as well as areas in the town of Bint Jbeil. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem criticized Lebanese authorities for pressing the armed forces to adhere to the framework deal, questioning their ability to protect against Israeli aggression and bombardment.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has called for the United Nations to maintain an international peacekeeping force in Lebanon once its mandate concludes, emphasizing the role of peacekeepers in deterring attacks on civilians and preventing human rights abuses.