• Israeli drone strike kills five in southern Lebanon, including three children.
• The victims were identified as U.S. citizens, leading to international concern.
• Lebanese officials condemn the attack as a "blatant crime against civilians."
• The strike is part of ongoing tensions despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
• Hezbollah refuses to disarm while facing continued Israeli aggression.

An Israeli drone strike in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, killed five people, including three children, on Sunday, as reported by Lebanon’s health ministry. The victims, identified as U.S. citizens, were attacked while traveling on a motorcycle and in a vehicle, leading to widespread condemnation from Lebanese leaders. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the incident as a "blatant crime against civilians" and a "message of intimidation" targeting civilians in the region, according to Dawn and TRT Global.

The Israeli military stated that its strike aimed to eliminate a Hezbollah member but acknowledged that civilians were among the casualties. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri expressed outrage at the attack, questioning whether "Lebanese childhood poses an existential threat" to Israel. He stressed that such actions highlight Israel's disregard for international accountability and human rights, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

This incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions despite a U.S.-brokered truce established in November, intended to end prolonged hostilities. However, Israel has continued to execute strikes against suspected Hezbollah positions, allegedly to prevent the group's military resurgence following the recent conflict with Hamas. The Lebanese government faces significant pressure from the U.S. and regional allies to disarm Hezbollah, a situation complicated by Israel’s ongoing military operations in the region, as stated in reports by Dawn and Reuters.