New Israeli air strikes have killed more people in southern Lebanon a day after 200 people died, as the bombardment raises further doubts over the fragile United States-Iran ceasefire that Tehran says includes Lebanon.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported on Thursday that an Israeli strike on the town of al-Abbassieh killed at least seven people and wounded several others, with the total expected to rise.
A wave of attacks by Israeli warplanes struck towns, including Kafra, Jmaijmeh, Safad al-Battikh, Majdal Selem and Deir Antar near Qasmiyeh bridge. Artillery shelling damaged the town of Haris.
Separately, the Lebanese army said in a statement that four of its soldiers were killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday.
The Israeli military said it carried out overnight strikes in Beirut, claiming the killing of Ali Yusuf Harshi, a close aide to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. Hezbollah has not commented on the claim. Israel also said it targeted crossings over the Litani River and what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure.
The scale and intensity of the attacks point to a broader campaign that continues despite the two-week ceasefire agreement announced between Washington and Tehran.
Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morcos, relaying comments from President Joseph Aoun after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, said Lebanon condemns “all the aggressions committed by Israel” and is working to ensure it is included in the US-Iran ceasefire.
