In a troubling escalation, Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in a series of strikes that have intensified tensions just days after a ceasefire was agreed upon. Monday saw Israeli forces targeting two southern Lebanese towns, Talousa and Haris, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals and injuring three others. The Israeli military confirmed that dozens of Hezbollah targets were hit across Lebanon.
Lebanese authorities reported two additional fatalities earlier in the day, including a member of the state security forces, bringing the total death toll to 11. These strikes follow shortly after Hezbollah accused Israel of violating the fragile ceasefire and retaliated by launching missiles at an Israeli military position in the disputed Shebaa Farms area. Hezbollah described their missile attack as a \"defensive warning strike,\" marking their first operation since the truce commenced last week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the recent hostilities by vowing a \"strong\" reaction, although the Israeli military reported no casualties from Hezbollah's missile launches. The conflict has reignited concerns about the stability of the ceasefire, which has already been strained by numerous violations.
Nabih Berri, the Lebanese Speaker of Parliament who negotiated the truce on behalf of Lebanon, revealed that Israel has breached the ceasefire at least 54 times since its inception on November 27. Berri called on the committee responsible for monitoring the truce to urgently address and halt Israel's ongoing violations.
Mahmoud Qomati, deputy head of Hezbollah's Political Council, condemned Israel's repeated breaches of the ceasefire agreement. He urged international overseers to hold Israel accountable and pressurize it to adhere to the truce conditions. \"Hezbollah does not want the return or expansion of the war. Hezbollah has been respecting the agreement, and countries supervising the deal shall bear responsibilities for these violations, which no one can bear,\" Qomati stated in an interview with Lebanese TV channel Al-Jadeed.
The ongoing exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah underscores the fragile nature of the current ceasefire and highlights the urgent need for sustained diplomatic efforts to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
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Israel, Hezbollah exchange strikes as ceasefire violations mount
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