At least 12 people were killed and numerous others injured on Thursday following a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting several towns in the Nabatieh and Marjayoun districts of southern Lebanon. The attacks occurred despite a ceasefire currently in effect between Israel and Hezbollah.
Casualties and Local Impact
The Lebanese Health Ministry’s emergency operations center reported that a strike on the town of Al-Duwayr resulted in three deaths, including a child and 15 injuries. In the Nabatieh district, a separate strike on the town of Habboush left five people dead and two injured.
Further casualties were reported in the town of Harouf, where three people, including a young girl, were killed and 19 others wounded. In the Marjayoun district, an airstrike in Majdal Salam targeted a medical team, killing one paramedic from the Health Committee and injuring another.
The Lebanese Health Ministry condemned the actions as a “crime” that defies international humanitarian laws and imposes a “law of violence and inhumanity.” The ministry called upon the international community to take a decisive stand to end these violations and restore the prestige of relevant international laws and agreements.
Escalation in Beirut and Southern Lebanon
Lebanese security and Civil Defense sources indicated that Israeli aircraft carried out more than 57 airstrikes targeting approximately 35 towns across southern Lebanon within the last few hours.
Simultaneously, the Israeli army announced the elimination of the commander of Hezbollah’s “Radwan Force,” an elite commando unit. The strike took place on Wednesday in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
While the Israeli army identified the target as Ahmed Ghaleb Ballout, a joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz identified the targeted commander as Malik Ballout. This operation marked the first Israeli strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut in nearly a month.
The Status of the Ceasefire
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been in place since April 17 and was subsequently extended following discussions in Washington. Despite this agreement, the Israeli army continues to conduct strikes against Hezbollah members and what it describes as rocket launching platforms.
In response to the recent airstrikes, Hezbollah announced it has launched rocket and drone attacks targeting Israeli sites and vehicles in border areas of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah also continues to fire rockets and drones toward Israeli forces within Lebanon and border towns in northern Israel.
Possible Future Developments
Given the ongoing violations of the truce, the stability of the current agreement may be further challenged. Future escalations could potentially lead to a wider breakdown of the ceasefire if both parties continue to target high-value assets and civilian infrastructure.
The international community’s response to the Lebanese Health Ministry’s plea could also play a role in whether diplomatic pressure is increased to enforce the terms of the Washington-brokered extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the target of the strike in Beirut? The Israeli army targeted the commander of Hezbollah’s elite “Radwan Force” commando unit, identified in reports as Ahmed Ghaleb Ballout and Malik Ballout. When did the current ceasefire begin? The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began on April 17 and was later extended after talks in Washington. Which areas of southern Lebanon were most affected by the recent strikes? The airstrikes primarily targeted the Nabatieh and Marjayoun districts, specifically affecting towns such as Al-Duwayr, Habboush, Harouf, and Majdal Salam.
