The Israeli military launched airstrikes on a Hezbollah mid-range rocket storage facility in southern Lebanon on Thursday, marking the first significant military action since a ceasefire between the two sides took effect on Wednesday morning.
Israel justified the strike, citing Hezbollah’s alleged breaches of the truce, which was brokered by the US and France to end over a year of hostilities. The truce, which aims for a 60-day pause in fighting, coincides with ongoing tensions in the region due to the Gaza conflict.
Israeli forces also opened fire on what they described as “suspects” approaching the southern border zone. The military stated that these movements violated the agreement, which mandates the dismantling of unauthorised military facilities south of the Litani River.
In response, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of escalating tensions. “The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages… there are violations today by Israel,” Fadlallah said, reiterating claims of ongoing aggression.
Lebanese security sources reported that earlier Israeli tank fire struck five towns and agricultural fields near the Blue Line border, wounding at least two individuals. Displaced Lebanese families attempting to return to their homes along the border have been hindered by ongoing military presence and curfews imposed by Israel south of the Litani River.
The airstrike, which targeted a facility near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River, underscores the precariousness of the ceasefire, which does not explicitly address military operations in northern areas.
Both sides have exchanged accusations of violating the terms, threatening the fragile truce that was intended to pave the way for a permanent cessation of hostilities.
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