Israeli airstrike kills 7 in Lebanon despite ceasefire deal

At least seven civilians were killed and three others wounded in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a residential house in southern Lebanon early Saturday, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported. Israeli warplanes struck the building on the outskirts of Ansar, a town in the Nabatieh district, near the adjacent town of Zrariyeh, completely destroying the structure. Emergency teams are currently working to clear debris and recover bodies and survivors, with casualties being transported to hospitals in Nabatieh.

Ceasefire violations and geographical depth

The attack represents the first Israeli airstrike to reach this depth inside Lebanese territory since a ceasefire agreement took effect two months ago, according to NNA. In a separate incident, Israeli warplanes also conducted a series of strikes targeting the Ali al-Taher hill on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa. The strikes come despite a framework agreement signed between Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26 under US sponsorship, which was intended to de-escalate hostilities along the border.

Ongoing assault and civilian toll

Israel's military campaign against Lebanon, which began on March 2, has now claimed 4,335 lives and left 12,277 injured, according to Lebanese authorities. The June agreement provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories in exchange for the deployment of Lebanese army forces and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah. However, Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon—some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 war—while advancing more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory during the current assault.