Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon, Killing 9 Despite Ceasefire

Israel continued airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing at least nine people, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that was extended by three weeks last week, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA).

In the town of Jebchit, three people were killed and seven wounded in an attack that destroyed a residential building. In Toul, four died and six were injured. Meanwhile, in Harouf, two people were killed and a house was destroyed.

Israeli forces have escalated attacks in recent days, with artillery shelling the towns of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Yohmor al-Shaqif, and Bayt al-Sayyad. In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 20 people, including two families, two Lebanese soldiers, and three medical workers. More than 70 others, including children, were wounded.

The Israeli military also issued forced evacuation warnings for 15 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including Jebchit, Toul, al-Samanieh, Sahel al-Hnieh, Qlailah, Wadi Jilo, al-Kanisa, Kafr Jouz, Majdal Zoun, and Seddiqine.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the fate of southern Lebanon will be like that of Gaza, despite the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that was signed nearly two weeks ago and extended by three weeks.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned 'Israel's ongoing violations' in southern Lebanon, saying they occur 'despite the ceasefire, as well as the destruction of homes and places of worship, while the number of dead and wounded rises daily.' He called for 'pressure on Israel to ensure it respects international law and stops targeting civilians, medical workers, civil defense, and humanitarian organizations.'

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called for 'the swift establishment of an international investigative committee into Israel's crimes.'

Al Jazeera correspondent Malcolm Webb in Beirut reported: 'President Aoun has asked the U.S. to set a date for resumed negotiations, but also said that Israel must fully implement the ceasefire. The Lebanese government, Israel, and the U.S. have sought to separate the talks from U.S. negotiations with Iran. But with continued escalation, it appears the only thing that might slow things down is pressure from Trump on Israel.'

According to the latest data from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 2,576 people and wounded 7,962 in Lebanon.