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Strike kills six in Lebanese town
An Israeli airstrike targeted a civil defence centre in the southern Lebanese town of Harouf on Saturday, killing six people, Lebanon's health ministry reported. Among the dead were three paramedics, while a fourth sustained critical injuries.
Ceasefire agreement amid ongoing violence
The attack occurred as the U.S. announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 45-day ceasefire following two days of negotiations in Washington. The truce, initially declared by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 16, has seen repeated violations, with both sides exchanging fire almost daily.
Escalating tensions and civilian toll
Lebanon's health ministry accused Israel of targeting civilians and medical personnel, a claim Israel denies. Earlier this week, the ministry reported that Israeli strikes had killed 22 people, including eight children, across southern Lebanon.
Israel has intensified its military operations in recent days, citing the need to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure and create a buffer zone along the border. Entire villages in southern Lebanon have been destroyed, with human rights groups alleging potential war crimes-a charge Israel rejects.
Diplomatic efforts and military talks
U.S. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to "lasting peace," mutual recognition of sovereignty, and enhanced security along the shared border. He confirmed that political discussions would resume in June, while military delegations from both countries would meet at the Pentagon on May 29.
"We hope these discussions will advance lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing genuine security along their shared border."
Tommy Pigott, U.S. State Department spokesman
Israel's Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, described the talks as "frank and constructive," while Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the need to "mobilise all Arab and international support" to strengthen Lebanon's negotiating position.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
Southern Lebanon, a stronghold of the Shia community and Hezbollah's primary support base, has faced relentless bombardment. Over one million people-one-fifth of Lebanon's population-have been displaced, primarily from the south, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut, areas where Hezbollah holds influence.
The conflict erupted on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in response to a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran. Since then, Lebanon's health ministry reports 2,896 fatalities, while Israeli authorities state that 18 soldiers and four civilians have died.
Continued hostilities
Despite the ceasefire, both sides continue to engage in near-daily clashes. Hezbollah has targeted Israeli troops in Lebanon and northern Israel with rockets and drones, while Israel maintains its offensive to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities. The Israeli military has not yet responded to requests for comment on the latest strike in Harouf.
