Israeli strikes kill woman, wound children in Lebanon despite US-brokered ceasefire
Zeina Khodr
A woman was killed and multiple children wounded in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, despite a US-brokered ceasefire. Israel said it struck 40 Hezbollah targets, while Hezbollah claimed to have retaliated. Activists accuse Israel of systematically destroying civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
A woman has been killed and multiple children wounded in the latest Israeli attacks on Lebanon, with most of the casualties over the past 24 hours reported to be civilians.
The Israeli military said Friday that it had struck 40 Hezbollah targets over the previous day, as airstrikes intensified across southern Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed it responded with several attacks on Israeli forces inside Lebanese territory.
Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr reported Friday that Israel is increasingly waging a military campaign to “erase” southern Lebanon, echoing tactics previously used in Gaza. Activists and observers say the Israeli military has systematically destroyed civilian homes, infrastructure, and water networks, aiming to render southern Lebanon uninhabitable. Human rights groups have called the destruction a war crime.
Tens of thousands of people in villages along Lebanon’s southern border have been affected by Israeli airstrikes. Mounir Kabalan, a resident of Mais al Jabal in the Marjayoun district whose home was damaged, said: “I feel overwhelmed with deep sadness because of this house… I have so many memories with my parents, relatives, especially my grandmother. What pains me is seeing the olive trees I planted with my father and brothers in 2007 uprooted, which we cared for like our own children.”
Israel has released satellite images showing entire neighborhoods flattened in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military is occupying an area roughly 10% of Lebanese territory. It has created what is known as the “Yellow Line,” south of which is a no-go zone where anyone approaching risks being targeted.
On Thursday, the Israeli military warned residents of eight Lebanese towns outside the so-called “buffer zone” to leave their homes immediately ahead of airstrikes. Israel had previously issued similar evacuation orders for 20 villages.
The attacks continue despite a US-brokered ceasefire that began last month. In total, 40 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes during the ceasefire period. More than one million people have been displaced during Israel’s war in Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are reported to be at odds over how to approach negotiations to end the war with Israel. On Thursday, the US Embassy in Beirut said Lebanon is at a “crossroads,” and that the people have an opportunity to reclaim their country through peace talks with Israel.
