At least 47 people died and 97 were injured today in Israeli air raids on Lebanon: according to the latest updated budget from the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Among the victims, according to Beirut health authorities, at least seven women and two children. The bombings hit the south of the country – including the center of Sejoud – after the announcement of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Raid on Sejoud, drones on Shooting and artillery in Nabatiyeh
According to the Lebanese national information agency (Ani), a new Israeli raid has hit the center of Sejoud, in southern Lebanon. The Beirut agency also reported drones flying over some villages near Tyre, while an AFP correspondent reported continuous artillery shelling in the Nabatiyeh area.
The night of clashes in the south
The escalation follows a night of fighting along the border. Four Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon – among them Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedaliah Ben Simhon, commander of the 52nd battalion – in an attack against an armored vehicle in the Tibnit area, attributed by Israel to a bomb launched by Hezbollah. This was announced by the spokesperson of the Israeli army (IDF), reported by the Israeli media. In response, the IDF announced heavy bombings against dozens of targets of the pro-Iranian group in the south and east of the country.
A truce under pressure
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remains fragile and marked by repeated mutual violations. On June 4, Israel and Lebanon announced a renewal of the truce, with security zones controlled by the Lebanese army and excluding Hezbollah, an agreement however rejected by the Shiite movement. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the escalation, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the IDF will remain in southern Lebanon “for as long as necessary”. A new round of talks is expected from June 22.