The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters reported that Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 20 people on Saturday, just one day after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect aimed at halting months of escalating violence.
Israel said the strikes were in response to projectiles fired overnight by the Iran-backed group. An Israeli military official said Hezbollah launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, prompting attacks on what were described as Hezbollah targets.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli warplanes and drones struck multiple locations in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Hezbollah accused Israel of committing hundreds of ceasefire violations and warned that continued attacks would not go unanswered. The group urged Washington to pressure Israel to halt its strikes.
An Israeli military official said the army had received updated directives from political leadership to cease fire and was not conducting proactive operations, but acting defensively within what Israel describes as a security zone.
The official added that five Israeli soldiers had been killed by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon over the past 48 hours.
The Israeli military, which maintains a presence in parts of southern Lebanon, said Hezbollah’s actions constituted repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and stressed it would respond decisively to any attacks on its forces or civilians.
Hezbollah said it remained committed to the ceasefire but would respond to any attempt by Israel to expand its presence or seize territory. The group also claimed Israeli forces attempted to infiltrate areas in southern Lebanon, leading to clashes followed by Israeli airstrikes.
The renewed violence has raised doubts about the durability of both the ceasefire and a broader U.S.-Iran understanding announced this week, which partly depends on ending hostilities in Lebanon.
One of the deadliest strikes hit a residential building in the southern town of Barish, killing a family of four, according to a local official. The Lebanese army said another strike killed a soldier in the Nabatieh area.
Lebanon’s central bank said an Israeli strike targeted one of its branches in Nabatieh, causing material damage but no casualties.
Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 4,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since March 2, including women, children and medical workers.
Israeli authorities say at least 32 soldiers and four civilians have been killed in fighting with Hezbollah.
The United States and Iran this week announced an understanding calling for an immediate and permanent halt to military operations across several fronts, including Lebanon, though Israel has opposed parts of the agreement.
