Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon climbs to 4,362 despite ceasefire

Lebanon's president, Joseph Aoun, called for U.S. assistance on Sunday following Israeli strikes that killed at least four individuals, despite an ongoing truce and a recent agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The latest violence occurred after a drone attack by Iran-backed Hezbollah on Israeli troops in a strategic ridge area in southern Lebanon the previous day. Israel reported no casualties in its response but accused Hezbollah of a "blatant violation."

The strikes targeted government premises and damaged an out-of-service hospital in the region of Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Two women were killed in nearby Arab Salim, while 20 others, including several women and three children, were wounded. The out-of-service Ghandour hospital was completely destroyed in one of the strikes, raising concerns over the breach of international humanitarian law.

Aoun emphasized that the strikes represent a dangerous escalation, targeting Lebanese state institutions and health facilities. He urged the international community, specifically the U.S., to intervene urgently to halt these violations. Lebanon's health ministry reported the casualties and damage, while Israeli forces claimed they targeted Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure, including weapons storage facilities and a terrorist command center.

The Israeli military had previously evacuated residents near a building identified as a Hezbollah facility in Arab Salim. However, a strike on another house in the area killed two women, and an Israeli warning led to the demolition of a villa in Arab Salim. An AFP correspondent witnessed the devastation at the site of the Israeli warning, including a toppled decorative column.

Haidar Haidar, brother of the villa's owner, confirmed that no one had been living inside. The Israeli strikes also targeted a historical building in Nabatieh city and damaged offices belonging to Lebanese authorities. Lebanon has been embroiled in conflict with Israel since March, following Hezbollah's support for Iran during the broader Middle East war.

Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion, resulting in over 4,300 casualties, though violence has decreased since a U.S.-Iran deal and an Israel-Lebanon framework agreement in June.