Israeli Airstrikes Target Lebanon Hours After Ceasefire, Killing at Least 20 People

According to Lebanon’s state news agency NNA, Israeli airstrikes on Saturday killed at least 20 people, coming just one day after a ceasefire with Hezbollah was implemented. The ceasefire was meant to stop months of growing violence between both sides.

Israel stated that the strikes came after Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group, fired projectiles overnight. An Israeli official claimed Hezbollah fired more than 50 projectiles at forces in southern Lebanon, resulting in Israeli strikes on what it called Hezbollah targets.

According to Lebanon’s NNA, Israeli warplanes and drones hit several parts of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. There was considerable damage and led to casualties on the ground.

Hezbollah responded by accusing Israel of multiple ceasefire violations. It cautioned that any continued strikes would be responded to and asked the United States to pressure Israel into stopping its operations.

According to an Israeli military official, the army’s instructions from political leadership were updated to stay defensive rather than carry out offensive operations. Israel said it is still on alert to respond to any attacks on its forces or civilians, while accusing Hezbollah of breaking the ceasefire multiple times.

The situation remains tense with each side blaming the other for new clashes. Hezbollah said it still supports the ceasefire but will respond if Israel pushes further into Lebanese territory.

According to local officials, one of the deadliest strikes targeted a home in Barish and killed four members of the same family. Another attack killed a Lebanese soldier and caused damage to a central bank building in Nabatieh.

The renewed fighting has raised serious doubts about the durability of the ceasefire and broader diplomatic efforts linked to recent US–Iran understandings aimed at reducing regional tensions.