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Deadly strikes hit Lebanon despite truce
At least ten people died in Israeli air raids on eastern Lebanon on Friday, Lebanese officials reported, despite an existing ceasefire agreement.
Israel targets Hezbollah sites
The Israeli military stated it struck Hezbollah command centers in the Bekaa Valley, a stronghold for the Shia militia and political group. Hezbollah confirmed eight of its fighters were killed, including a senior field commander.
Israel accused Hezbollah of embedding military assets within civilian areas, calling it a breach of understandings between the two nations.
Ceasefire limits disputed
Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and U.K., claims the November 2024 ceasefire only applies to southern Lebanon, specifically between the Litani River and the Blue Line border. The group has rejected Lebanese government demands to discuss disarming in other regions, including the Bekaa Valley.
Lebanese authorities began dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure in the south as part of a disarmament plan following a 13-month conflict. However, Hezbollah dismissed a recent government decision to expand the plan north of the Litani River.
Lebanon accuses Israel of violations
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Israel's actions as a "one-sided war of attrition" and urged international pressure to halt the strikes. The government called the attacks a violation of the ceasefire deal.
Earlier on Friday, an Israeli strike hit Ain al-Helweh, a densely populated Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, killing two Hamas members, according to the group.
Regional tensions escalate
The strikes occur amid rising tensions, with the U.S. threatening military action against Iran if negotiations fail. Analysts warn Iran could pressure Hezbollah to retaliate if Israel becomes involved in a broader conflict.
Online images from the Bekaa Valley showed heavy damage in what appeared to be residential areas, underscoring the civilian toll of the ongoing hostilities.
