Israeli drone strikes on vehicles in Lebanon have killed 12 people, including 2 children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The strikes, which occurred on Wednesday, targeted 7 vehicles in various areas of southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas, hours after warning residents of 6 southern villages to evacuate. The attacks come as Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold direct talks in Washington on Thursday, aimed at achieving a breakthrough in their long-standing conflict.
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2 of the drone attacks hit a highway linking Beirut with the southern port city of Sidon, while a third struck the town of Saadiyat near the busy freeway. The Health Ministry confirmed that these strikes killed 8 people, including a woman and her 2 children.
The United Nations has accused Hezbollah of launching drone strikes near its peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on both sides to observe the ceasefire and stop all attacks, according to UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2, when the Lebanese militant group fired rockets into northern Israel. Since then, 2,896 people have been killed and 8,824 wounded, the Health Ministry said.
In southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes were reported in various towns and villages, while Hezbollah claimed to have launched additional attacks on Israel. The UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, expressed concern about the fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli soldiers near its positions, which puts peacekeepers at risk.
A presumed Hezbollah drone detonated inside UNIFIL’s headquarters in the coastal town of Naqoura on Tuesday, following earlier drone detonations on Monday and Tuesday. No one was injured, but some buildings were damaged.
The Israeli military’s actions have been met with criticism from some, who argue that the strikes are exacerbating the conflict. However, the Israeli government maintains that its actions are necessary to protect its citizens from Hezbollah’s attacks.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The situation in southern Lebanon remains tense, with both sides exchanging fire despite a US-brokered ceasefire on April 17. The conflict has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further violence.
In a related development, the Associated Press reported that its photographer saw the bodies of 3 people killed in 2 of the strikes near the coastal towns of Barja and Jiyeh.
The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that 3 other drone strikes on cars deeper in southern Lebanon killed 3 people. The ministry did not provide full details of the number of people in each vehicle.
Airstrikes Reported in Various Towns
Israeli airstrikes were reported in various towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including the town of Saadiyat and the northern entrance of Sidon. The strikes occurred in the early afternoon, leaving 1 person dead and another wounded.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since 1948, when Israel was created. The two sides have been in a state of war, with periodic outbreaks of violence.
The latest round of talks between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled to take place in Washington on Thursday, with the Trump administration pushing for a breakthrough in the conflict.
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