Israeli Strikes Kill 11 in Southern Lebanon, Including 3 Children

Lebanese Health Ministry reported, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least 11 people and injured 19 others. Three children were among the victims of the attacks. The strikes are considered the deadliest in Lebanon since Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in June.

As per new agencies news, Israeli warplanes collide with several sites in southern Lebanon on Saturday morning. Seven people were killed when a house in the village of Ansar was targeted, Another Israeli strike in Deir al-Zahrani killed four people and injured 17 others. Rescue teams and local residents rushed to the affected sites to search through the rubble and evacuate the wounded.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the strikes, describing them as a “clear message.” He said the attacks came as Lebanon and Israel prepare for the eighth round of direct talks, due to take place in Rome next month under US auspices. A statement from Aoun’s office expressed concern over continued Israeli attacks and repeated violations of the ceasefire or framework agreement, saying the killing of civilians violates international law.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the strikes and called on Israel to end the dangerous escalation. He stressed that the women and children killed in Ansar were civilians and not military targets.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has vowed an “appropriate response” to the Israeli attacks and called on the Lebanese government to adopt a tougher position instead of pursuing direct talks with Israel. Hezbollah said Israeli attacks and violations could not continue without consequences and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of escalating tensions for domestic political reasons.