Israel launched airstrikes on four border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, killing two people and injuring at least 19. The strikes targeted villages and towns in southern Lebanon, including Qanarit, al-Kharayeb, al-Ansar, Kfour, and Jarjouh. Emergency responders attended to the wounded, including journalists with minor injuries.
The attacks come despite a US-brokered ceasefire that ended fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in 2024. Earlier in the day, one person was killed in Zahrani, Sidon district, and another in Bazuriyeh, Tyre district, when vehicles were hit by Israeli strikes. Charred vehicles and debris were reported by AFP correspondents on the ground.
Read more: Three killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon
Israel said the strikes targeted Hezbollah weapons smuggling operations and claimed to have eliminated a “key Hezbollah weapons smuggler” near Sidon. The military said the border crossings were used for transferring arms. Israel has conducted similar operations in southern Lebanon to disrupt Hezbollah supply chains.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks as “systematic aggression” against civilians. He said Israel’s actions violate the ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese military also criticized the strikes for targeting homes and infrastructure, calling them a blatant breach of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
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Officials added that such strikes hinder efforts to complete Hezbollah’s disarmament, a key part of the 2024 ceasefire. The attacks have raised tensions in southern Lebanon and could complicate future peace efforts in the region.