Israel-Hezbollah fighting rages in Lebanon despite US-mediated ceasefire talks

Fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants continued unabated in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, even as the Lebanese government and Israel began US‑mediated ceasefire talks in Washington. Clashes concentrated around the town of Bint Jbeil, a Hezbollah stronghold. The Israeli army claimed to have secured the area and released photos from a local memorial site, but local sources said fighting was still ongoing around the old market. Israeli artillery continued heavy shelling of the town.

Heavy Bombardment and Civilian Casualties

The Israeli military said it had struck 200 targets across Lebanon in 24 hours, including 20 rocket launchers. Warplanes hit the towns of Qadmus, Mahmoudiyeh, Qalileh, Ansariyeh, Khirbet Duwayr, Majadel and Jebaa, killing 13 people. Israeli forces advancing from two directions also sustained casualties, reporting 10 wounded soldiers, three seriously, and a lieutenant colonel seriously wounded. Hezbollah said it fired 40 rockets at Jewish settlements in northern Israel in response. Israel’s Magen David Adom reported one person lightly wounded.

Evacuation Orders and Displacement

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued new evacuation orders for areas south of the Zahrani River, approximately 40 kilometres from the border, threatening to intensify strikes despite ongoing talks. Since 2 March, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed more than 2,100 civilians, including 90 health workers, and displaced approximately 1.3 million people. The military has targeted civilian settlements up to the Litani River, forcing mass displacement. Türkiye has repeatedly condemned the attacks and called for an immediate halt to civilian bloodshed.