Israeli shelling causes fire in southern Lebanese town

Israeli artillery shelling resulted in a fire in the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, according to Lebanese state media. The attacks, which included artillery bombardment, home demolitions, and the burning of agricultural fields, occurred in several border towns despite a US-sponsored framework agreement aimed at establishing a truce and Israeli withdrawal.

Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported that Israeli artillery shelled the town of Mansouri, while Israeli forces conducted bulldozing operations in Houla. In Khiam, Israeli forces stationed nearby blew up homes in the western neighborhood, causing successive explosions and heavy smoke. Agricultural fields and properties were also set ablaze, with fires spreading across several areas.

These developments coincided with continued Israeli military movements in the region, contributing to heightened tension among residents. The attacks persist despite a US-sponsored framework agreement signed on June 26, which outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups.

Lebanese authorities state that since March 2, Israel's assault on Lebanon has resulted in 4,348 deaths and 12,307 injuries, with over 1 million people displaced. Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since a previous war between 2023 and 2024, advancing more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the current offensive.

Separately, Israeli forces launched intense and concentrated artillery attacks on Nabatieh al-Fawqa from a military position in the Tel al-Nahas area, near the occupied Lebanese village of Kfar Kila. These actions underscore the fragility of security conditions in southern border towns amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.