Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least nine people despite a US-mediated ceasefire being extended for three weeks. Attacks in Jebchit, Toul and Harouf destroyed homes and caused multiple casualties, while artillery and air strikes have intensified across other southern towns. Lebanese leaders condemned the violations, called for international pressure and demanded a fact-finding mission as casualty numbers continue to climb.
Nine Killed in Southern Lebanon as Israeli Strikes Continue Despite Ceasefire Extension
The Israeli army continues to demolish buildings and homes in southern Lebanon [AFP]
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least nine people, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported, even after a US-mediated ceasefire was extended by three weeks last week.
In the municipality of Jebchit, an attack that demolished a residential building left three people dead and seven wounded. In Toul, four people were killed and six were injured. In Harouf, two people were killed and a house was destroyed.
Over recent days Israeli forces have reportedly stepped up operations across the south, with artillery shelling reported in Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Yohmor al-Shaqif and Bayt al-Sayyad. Within the past 24 hours alone, air strikes were reported to have killed more than 20 people, including two entire families, two Lebanese army soldiers and three paramedics; more than 70 others, including children, were injured.
The Israeli military has also issued fresh threats of forced displacement affecting 15 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including Jebchit, Toul, al-Samanieh, Sahel al-Hnieh, Qlailah, Wadi Jilo, al-Kanisa, Kafr Jouz, Majdal Zoun and Seddiqine.
Political reactions: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reportedly vowed that southern Lebanon would face a fate similar to Gaza's. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned what he called continuing Israeli violations, saying they persist despite the ceasefire and include demolition of homes and places of worship while casualties rise day by day.
President Aoun called for international pressure to ensure Israel respects international law and stops targeting civilians, paramedics, civil defence and humanitarian health and relief organisations. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri demanded the swift creation of an international fact-finding committee on what he described as crimes by the Israeli occupation.
Reporting from Beirut, Al Jazeera's Malcolm Webb said President Aoun has asked the United States for a date to resume negotiations but insisted Israel must fully implement the ceasefire. Webb noted the Lebanese government, Israel and the US have tried to keep those talks separate from US-Iran negotiations and warned that further diplomatic pressure will be needed to curb the fighting.
Since March 2, Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,576 people in Lebanon and wounded 7,962, according to the latest figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.
Humanitarian groups continue to warn of growing civilian harm and displacement unless the ceasefire is enforced and protections for non-combatants are respected.
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