Israeli strike hits health center in southern Lebanon as truce holds

Attack on medical facility

Lebanon's National News Agency said Israeli aircraft struck the town of Maaroub, near the southern coastal city of Tyre, injuring several people on Friday. The agency reported that a separate strike hit a health center in nearby Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, part of the same district. No casualty figures or damage assessments for the medical facility were immediately available.

The strikes occurred hours before Israeli and Lebanese military delegations were due to meet in the United States for security talks, according to the same source.

Ceasefire under strain

Israel has maintained military operations across southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire that entered force on April 17 and was subsequently extended by 45 days through early July. Since March 2, Israeli forces have conducted an expanded campaign in Lebanon's south, occupying multiple towns.

Lebanon's Health Ministry has recorded 3,324 deaths from Israeli attacks since that date. While Israeli operations have continued with airstrikes and demolitions in the south, Hezbollah has responded by targeting Israeli military positions, accusing Israel of systematic ceasefire violations.

Netanyahu's orders

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on May 25 that he had ordered the military to escalate attacks on Lebanon. The directive came as diplomatic channels remained active, with Friday's planned talks in Washington representing another attempt to stabilize the brittle truce.