BEIRUT/JERUSALEM: Israel carried out a series of retaliatory airstrikes in southern Lebanon on March 22, 2025, killing at least seven individuals, including a child, after rockets were reportedly fired across the border into northern Israel. This escalation marks a significant breach of the fragile ceasefire established in November 2023, which had ended a prolonged conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.

The Israeli military confirmed the interception of three rockets aimed at the northern town of Metula, with six rockets fired from Lebanese territory, categorizing the incident as a blatant violation of the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a response targeting numerous Hezbollah positions, focusing on command centers and rocket launchers claimed to be utilized by the group.

Officials reported significant damage across southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese National News Agency stating two residents were killed and several more wounded during strikes in towns such as Tyre and Touline. The Lebanese health ministry reported that the strikes led to injuries of over forty individuals across the affected areas.

Hezbollah has officially denied any involvement in the rocket attacks, asserting their commitment to the ceasefire agreement. The group accused Israel of using the rocket launches as a pretext for ongoing military operations, which have been observed regularly since the ceasefire was brokered.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed grave concerns regarding the rising tensions, warning that such military operations could drag Lebanon into a new war, further exacerbating the regional instability that has followed the resumption of hostilities in Gaza.

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, voiced alarm over the escalation, urging both parties to maintain the ceasefire conditions and prevent further hostilities that threaten civilian lives and stability in the region.

As Israel continues its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, which recently resumed following a fragile ceasefire, the geopolitical climate remains tense. Recent reports indicate that around 600 Palestinians have been killed since Israeli military operations intensified last week. Israeli officials maintain their stance on conducting operations until their objectives are fully achieved.

This situation underscores the volatile nature of the current inter-state relations in the Middle East as both sides appear to be preparing for possible further confrontations.

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