Israeli airstrikes killed at least nine people, including two children, in southern Lebanon on Thursday, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attacks wounded 23 others as violence continues into the second week of a US-mediated ceasefire.
Israel says its strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure. In response, Hezbollah claimed a drone strike against Israeli forces in the Bint Jbeil district. One Israeli soldier was killed in southern Lebanon, bringing the Israeli military death toll since March to 17.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks as ongoing violations of the truce and demanded Israel respect international law. The ceasefire, announced April 16 after direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington, has largely halted strikes on Beirut but not in the south.
Israel issued evacuation warnings for 15 villages near its self-declared Yellow Line-a 10-kilometer buffer zone where it says it continues operations against threats. The US-mediated deal allows Israel to respond to what it describes as planned or imminent attacks, a clause Hezbollah rejects.
Political divisions in Beirut are deepening. President Aoun backs direct negotiations for a permanent agreement, while Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, opposes direct talks, warning of risks.
The conflict began March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel. Since then, over 2,500 people have died in Lebanon, including 103 health professionals. The health ministry says the toll includes at least 270 women and more than 170 children.