Israel launched airstrikes on four border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, killing two people and wounding at least 19 in southern Lebanon.
The strikes come despite a US-brokered ceasefire that ended fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in 2024.
Israeli warplanes bombed several villages and towns in southern Lebanon, including Qanarit, al-Kharayeb, al-Ansar, Kfour, and Jarjouh. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least 19 injuries from the airstrikes in Qanarit alone.
Earlier in the day, one person was killed in Zahrani, Sidon district, and another in Bazuriyeh, Tyre district, when Israeli strikes targeted vehicles in the towns. AFP correspondents on the ground reported charred vehicles, debris, and emergency responders attending to the wounded, including journalists who were slightly injured.
Israel claims targeting Hezbollah smugglers
The Israeli military said on social media that it had targeted four border crossings on the Syria-Lebanon border used for “weapons transfer” and claimed to have eliminated a “key Hezbollah weapons smuggler” near Sidon.
The strikes follow earlier Israeli operations in southern Lebanon, which Israel says aim to disrupt Hezbollah’s supply chains, despite the 2024 US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Lebanon condemns attacks
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun denounced the strikes as part of a “policy of systematic aggression” directly targeting civilians.
“The repeated aggressive behaviour reaffirms Israel’s refusal to abide by its obligations arising from the cessation of hostilities agreement,” Aoun said.
The Lebanese military also criticized the attacks for targeting civilian homes and buildings, calling them a “blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.” Officials added that such strikes hinder efforts to complete Hezbollah’s disarmament, a key component of the ceasefire deal.
