Lebanon's Aoun accuses Israel of undermining US-brokered deal after deadly strikes

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday denounced Israel for violating a US-brokered deal aimed at ending hostilities, following a series of deadly strikes in southern Lebanon over the past three days. Aoun denounced Israel's repeated attacks, killing civilians including children and women, destroying homes and properties, during a meeting with French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin.

The President emphasized that these actions were unjustified crimes that undermine the framework agreement and escalate the conflict in the region. Rescue teams were still retrieving bodies from the rubble on Monday morning after a night of intense Israeli strikes across the district. At least 12 people, including a child and two women, were killed overnight, according to the health ministry.

The Israeli army claimed the strikes were in response to Hezbollah's presence in a building that previously functioned as a hospital in Nabatieh Al Fawqa. However, the Israeli claim could not be independently verified. Despite the framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on June 26, which stipulated a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory and Hezbollah's disarmament, Israeli forces have continued advancing in southern Lebanon.

The latest escalation comes as Israeli forces aim to secure their position on Ali Al Taher, a strategic ridge overlooking Nabatieh, which Israel considers Hezbollah's last major defensive position. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the capture of Ali Al Taher marks the completion of securing the security zone in southern Lebanon.