Key facts
- Israel ordered a halt to attacks in southern Lebanon following a U.S.-brokered deal.
- The ceasefire is a condition for starting 60 days of U.S.-Iran talks on Tehran's nuclear program.
- Israel stated strikes were a response to over 50 projectiles fired by Hezbollah.
- Hezbollah accused Israel of ceasefire violations and vowed to respond to continued attacks.
- One of the deadliest strikes hit a residential building in Barish, killing a family of four.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israeli army to cease attacks on southern Lebanon, according to Channel 12 reports. Israel stated it would not withdraw from occupied areas, and the decision was made in coordination with the U.S.
Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes and drones struck multiple locations in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley on Saturday, killing at least 20 people. This occurred one day after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect, highlighting the fragility of the truce aimed at halting months of escalating violence.
Israel stated the strikes were a response to over 50 projectiles fired overnight by Hezbollah. An Israeli military official described the targets as "Hezbollah targets." Hezbollah accused Israel of hundreds of ceasefire violations and warned that continued attacks "will not pass without a response," urging the U.S. to pressure Israel to halt its attacks.
Hezbollah also accused Israeli forces of attempting to infiltrate the Ali al-Taher hill area in southern Lebanon overnight, engaging troops and prompting Israeli air strikes. The group stated it would not allow Israel "freedom of movement" in occupied Lebanese territory and that armed resistance remains legitimate as long as Israeli forces stay in Lebanon.
One of the deadliest Israeli strikes hit a three-storey residential building in the southern town of Barish, killing a father, mother, and their two children. The Lebanese army reported another strike killed a soldier on the Kfarrumman-Nabatieh road.
Lebanon's health ministry states that 4,057 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since March 2, including medics, women, and children. Israeli authorities report at least 32 soldiers and four civilians killed in fighting with Hezbollah.
The U.S.-Iran understanding announced this week calls for an immediate and permanent halt to military operations by the parties and their allies across several fronts, including Lebanon. Israel, which was not part of those negotiations, has opposed provisions it says could constrain its campaign in Lebanon.