Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals on Friday, while the Hezbollah militant group, backed by Iran, launched rockets at northern Israel, causing no casualties. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike in the village of Toura, near Tyre, claimed four lives and injured eight. Additionally, another airstrike in Kfar Chouba killed a paramedic with the Lebanese Civil Defense, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.
The Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson had issued an evacuation warning to residents of six villages in Tyre province, including Toura, just hours before the strikes. Subsequently, Hezbollah fired rockets towards northern Israel, with the Israeli military intercepting one rocket while the others landed in uninhabited areas.
Despite a ceasefire in effect since April 17, incidents of violence persist, such as the recent Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs. The Israeli military disclosed the killing of Ahmed Balout, identified as a commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, along with two other militants, with no immediate response from Hezbollah.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during a meeting with a European Union delegation, urged European nations to pressure Israel to uphold the ceasefire and refrain from demolishing homes in villages under Israeli occupation. Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to the ceasefire to facilitate negotiations for improved conditions.
European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, following a meeting with Aoun, criticized both Hezbollah and Israel for jeopardizing Lebanon’s stability. Lahbib called for Hezbollah to cease attacks and disarm, while urging Israel to limit airstrikes targeting humanitarian facilities.
President Aoun also met with Simon Karam, the head of Lebanon’s delegation for talks with Israel in Washington, expected to take place next week. The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in March, escalating tensions and leading to ongoing military operations. The ceasefire, initially declared in Washington and extended subsequently, aims to mitigate hostilities between the two nations.