An Israeli attack in Lebanon kills six people as the US extends the ceasefire for another 45 days
Lebanon reports that an Israeli strike has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, while Washington has declared a new 45-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
An Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three paramedics, as reported by Lebanon’s health ministry. This incident occurred just hours after the United States declared a 45-day extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that the strike hit a civil defense center in the town of Harouf, resulting in another paramedic being critically injured.
At the time of reporting, the Israeli military had not provided an immediate comment on the incident.
The assault occurred soon after the US State Department revealed that Israel and Lebanon had consented to prolong their tenuous cease-fire after two days of discussions in Washington, DC.
Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for the US State Department, stated that the discussions were focused on promoting “lasting peace” between the two nations.
“We anticipate that these discussions will promote enduring peace between the two nations, complete acknowledgment of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of authentic security along their common border,” Pigott remarked.
He stated that political negotiations between the parties are set to resume in June, while a distinct security track involving military delegations from both countries is planned to commence at the Pentagon on May 29.
US President Donald Trump initially announced the ceasefire on April 16; however, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have persisted despite the truce.
On Wednesday, Lebanon’s health ministry announced that Israeli air strikes resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals, among them eight children, throughout southern Lebanon.
Israel has ramped up its aerial and artillery bombardments in recent days, asserting that it is focusing on Hezbollah fighters and military infrastructure.
Lebanese authorities have consistently accused Israel of targeting civilians and emergency workers, a claim that the Israeli government refutes.
Israeli officials state that the military campaign aims to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to deter future Hezbollah attacks.
The conflict has ravaged significant areas of southern Lebanon, with reports indicating that entire villages have been obliterated amidst ongoing bombardments.
Human rights organizations have alleged that Israel’s actions may constitute war crimes, a claim that Israeli authorities have denied.
Hezbollah has persistently been launching rockets and drones into northern Israel, while also targeting Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over one million individuals throughout Lebanon, especially from the southern regions, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut, which are considered strongholds of Hezbollah.
The recent escalation commenced on March 2, soon after the United States and Israel initiated a collaborative military operation targeting Iran.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 2,896 people have lost their lives in the country since then, while Israeli authorities report that 18 soldiers and four civilians have been killed during the hostilities.
