Arabic version: استمرار الغارات الجوية الإسرائيلية في جنوب لبنان على الرغم من اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار

Israeli warplanes have continued to conduct air strikes in southern Lebanon, even after both countries agreed to extend a ceasefire for an additional 45 days. This extension was confirmed following negotiations in Washington, but the ceasefire has never been effectively observed. According to Al Jazeera, reports indicate that strikes targeted at least five villages in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military has also issued forced displacement orders for nine villages near Sidon and Nabatieh, including Qaaqaaiyet, al-Snoubar, Kaouthariyet al-Saiyad, al-Marwaniyah, and al-Ghassaniyah. Additionally, air attacks were reported in the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif, with heavy artillery bombardments affecting Kfar Tebnit and the Arnoun-Kfar Tebnit road. The Israeli military claims these actions are aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure sites.

This escalation follows direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials, the first in decades, which took place last month. Hezbollah has opposed the negotiations, especially in light of ongoing Israeli attacks and occupation of parts of southern Lebanon since the ceasefire was theoretically enacted on April 17.

Despite these hostilities, Lebanon’s negotiating delegation welcomed the ceasefire extension, with the Lebanese presidency stating that it provides essential support for citizens and state institutions. However, reports from southern Lebanon suggest that the ceasefire is largely symbolic, with residents expressing concerns about further escalation and ongoing violence.

Al Jazeera’s Obaida Hitto noted that artillery strikes have occurred in various eastern regions, indicating that the ceasefire has not brought significant relief to the affected populations. Since the beginning of the conflict, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 2,900 individuals in Lebanon, including more than 500 since the latest ceasefire was announced.