BEIRUT: Fresh violence erupted in southern Lebanon on Saturday as Israel strikes continued only hours after the United States announced a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The latest Israel strikes targeted several areas in southern Lebanon, causing heavy casualties and fresh destruction. Lebanese state media reported that air raids hit nearly 20 different locations across the region.
According to Lebanon’s civil defence agency, at least 16 people were killed in the Nabatieh area alone. Smoke was seen rising over the city following the attacks, while explosions were also reported near the historic Beaufort Castle.
The violence comes after US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a preliminary agreement earlier this week. The deal aimed to stop fighting across the Middle East, including Lebanon.
However, tensions quickly rose again when follow-up talks planned in Switzerland were postponed indefinitely. This happened after Israel strikes on Friday killed dozens of people in Lebanon, following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in combat.
On Friday, a US official announced a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The truce was reportedly arranged by US and Qatari mediators. Israel’s ambassador to Washington said the ceasefire would be respected if Hezbollah also followed it.
Despite this, Israeli officials claimed Hezbollah fired more than 50 projectiles overnight at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has not officially confirmed carrying out any attacks after the ceasefire announcement.
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said the group expected Israel to fully respect the truce. He also said Hezbollah reserved the right to respond if attacked.
Lebanese authorities said 47 people were killed in Friday’s airstrikes, marking the highest death toll since the US-Iran agreement.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts continue. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun urged US officials to push for an end to Israeli attacks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the need for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and restore full control over its territory.
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The delayed Switzerland talks were expected to address Iran’s nuclear program and wider regional issues. Officials say the discussions may resume in the coming days as international efforts continue to ease tensions.
