Israel Continues Lebanese Strikes Despite US-Backed Ceasefire

The Government of Israel continues to launch airstrikes and artillery shelling in southern Lebanon, including drone strikes near Nabatieh al-Fawqa and demolitions in Taybeh and Khiam. These actions persist despite a US-sponsored framework agreement signed on June 26 that mandates a phased Israeli withdrawal. Lebanon's Public Health Ministry reports that Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,321 people and wounded 12,203.

Amnesty International recently accused Israel of committing war crimes, citing three strikes between March 6 and 13 that killed 24 civilians, including 12 children. The organization concluded that Israeli forces violated international humanitarian law by failing to distinguish between civilians and military objectives. Israeli authorities defended the operations, stating they target Hezbollah military objectives and are committed to mitigating civilian harm.

Diplomatic tensions remain high as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed some Lebanese Christian villages requested to join Israel for protection from Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted that forces will remain in a self-declared security zone to protect northern communities. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon reported that while violence has decreased since late June, the security situation remains fragile.