Israel has carried out its first air strike on Lebanon since the implementation of a ceasefire aimed at ending the deadly conflict with Hezbollah. The Israeli military confirmed targeting what it calls a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in southern Lebanon on Thursday, citing “terrorist activity” at the site.
This follows a truce brokered by the US and France, which began on Wednesday after weeks of intense fighting that resulted in thousands of deaths in Lebanon and significant displacement in both nations.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli fire injured two people in a border village earlier in the day, with Israel claiming these individuals breached the ceasefire terms.
While Hezbollah declared victory after the truce, the group remains on alert and has vowed to protect against further Israeli ambitions and attacks.
The Lebanese military has begun patrolling areas south of the Litani River in compliance with the ceasefire, though they have not yet entered Israeli-occupied zones.
Lebanese civilians are returning to devastated villages, grappling with the aftermath of a war that exacerbated the country’s pre-existing political and economic crises. Residents of border areas like Qlayaa expressed hope for peace, celebrating the army’s presence. However, in Israel, scepticism persists about the ceasefire’s longevity.
Since the war began, Lebanon has reported at least 3,961 deaths, with most casualties occurring in recent weeks. In Israel, hostilities with Hezbollah have reportedly claimed the lives of 82 soldiers and 47 civilians.
