Deadliest Lebanon Strike Since Ceasefire

At least seven people were killed and three others injured on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. This is the highest death toll since late June, when fighting subsided significantly following an agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government, according to Anadolu Agency.

The airstrikes hit the town of Ansar, its surroundings and the strategically important Ali Tahir hill near Nabatiyeh. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to carry out near-daily attacks, and vast areas south of the Litani River remain under the control of its forces.

The June framework agreement calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces in exchange for the disarmament of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

However, Hezbollah refuses to engage in direct negotiations with Israel and accuses the Lebanese government of making excessive concessions. Tensions thus persist despite the agreement.

Human Rights Watch has also called on the UN to keep peacekeeping forces in the country even after their mandate ends, considering them essential for the protection of civilians.

(mja)