Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least five people on Friday, while Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel without causing any casualties, according to officials.
Details of the Strikes
Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Toura, near the port city of Tyre, killed four people and wounded eight. The state-run National News Agency said another airstrike near the southeastern village of Kfar Chouba killed a paramedic with the Lebanese Civil Defense.
The strikes came hours after the Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesperson issued an evacuation warning to residents of six villages in Tyre province, including Toura.
Hezbollah Response
In the early afternoon, Hezbollah launched a salvo of rockets toward northern Israel. The Israeli military said it intercepted one rocket, while the rest landed in open areas, causing no injuries.
Ceasefire Context
The exchange occurred despite a ceasefire in place since April 17. It followed the first Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs since the truce began, two days earlier. On Thursday, the Israeli military said it had killed Ahmed Balout, a commander in Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, along with two other militants. Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
Israel claims to have killed over 85 Hezbollah militants and struck 180 sites used by the group in the past week, without providing evidence.
Political Reactions
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the European Union to pressure Israel to adhere to the ceasefire and stop demolishing homes in occupied villages. He stressed Lebanon's commitment to the truce to pave the way for negotiations.
European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib stated that both Israel and Hezbollah are holding Lebanon hostage, calling on Hezbollah to cease attacks and disarm, and for Israel to limit airstrikes targeting humanitarian centers.
Aoun later met with Simon Karam, head of the Lebanese delegation for talks with Israel in Washington, scheduled for the following Thursday and Friday.
Background of the Conflict
The latest war between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, two days after the US and Israel launched a war on Iran, Hezbollah's main backer. Israel has since conducted hundreds of airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, capturing dozens of towns and villages along the border.
Lebanon and Israel held their first direct talks in over 30 years. The two countries have been officially at war since Israel's founding in 1948. A 10-day ceasefire declared in Washington took effect on April 17 and was later extended by three weeks.
