Israeli Strikes Kill 11 in Southern Lebanon, Two Months After Ceasefire
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 11 people in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, marking the deadliest escalation since a fragile truce ended the full-scale war two months ago.
The Israeli military said the strikes were a response to an action by Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group, and targeted what it called "Hezbollah terror infrastructure" [220153][220127]. Local officials in Lebanon confirmed the death toll, which included civilians, though full details were still emerging [220153][220127]. The attacks hit several areas in the southern region, with Lebanese health authorities confirming casualties [219795][220127].
The strikes mark the deadliest escalation since the ceasefire took effect, raising fresh concerns about the stability of the agreement [220153][219817]. Lebanon’s government condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of the ceasefire and a "blatant aggression against our people and our sovereignty," according to the Prime Minister [220153][219795].
The Israeli military did not provide further details on the specific incident that triggered the response, but said its operations are aimed at preventing attacks on its territory and soldiers [220127]. Hezbollah has not yet issued an immediate statement [220153][220127].
The United Nations and several regional governments have urged restraint on both sides, but no new diplomatic initiative has been announced [219795][220153]. Local reports described heavy shelling and aerial strikes in several villages, with residents urged to remain indoors as the situation develops [220127].