Israeli strikes kill 16 in Lebanon despite truce extension

At least 16 civilians lost their lives and 21 others sustained injuries on Wednesday after Israeli drone attacks and airstrikes hit multiple regions in southern and eastern Lebanon, according to officials in Beirut. The latest wave of violence, which also damaged an educational facility, marks a clear breach of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

Strikes hit multiple towns and emergency crews

In the southern town of Mefdoun, two people were killed by drone fire, while further airstrikes targeted the area between Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported. A separate attack on the home of a municipal council head in Zellaya, located in western Bekaa, left four dead and three injured. Rescue teams remain active at the scene.

Paramilitary medics and vehicle attacks

An Israeli drone struck paramedics affiliated with the Islamic Health Authority in Deir Kifa, wounding three medics who were later transported to nearby hospitals. In a separate incident, an airstrike on Aadchit in the Nabatieh district claimed one life. A car travelling between Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Mifdoun was also hit, killing two people.

High casualties in Saksakiyeh and Tyre

The deadliest single attack occurred in Saksakiyeh within the Zahrani area, where five people were killed and 15 wounded. Lebanon’s Health Ministry later revised the toll from that strike to four deaths and 33 injuries, including six children and four women. In the Tyre district, civil defense personnel recovered two bodies after a vehicle was struck near al-Siraj Secondary School on the al-Haddathiya road.

School damaged as airstrikes continue

Israeli warplanes also bombed the towns of Rishknaniyah, Safad al-Battikh, Baraachit, and Qallawiyeh, causing severe destruction to a school building in Burj Qallawiyeh. A residential home in the Bir Zbib neighborhood of Doueir was completely destroyed. On Tuesday alone, the Israeli army carried out roughly 60 attacks across Lebanon, killing five people.

Ceasefire ignored as casualties mount

Although a truce was announced on April 17 and later extended until May 17, Israeli forces continue daily strikes and the systematic demolition of homes in dozens of Lebanese villages—tactics reminiscent of the widespread devastation seen in Gaza. Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed at least 2,715 people, wounded 8,353, and displaced more than 1.6 million people, roughly one-fifth of the country’s population. Türkiye has repeatedly called on the international community to halt the escalating violence.