• Israel announces imminent strikes on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
• Civilians in targeted towns have been urged to evacuate for safety.
• The strikes follow Lebanon-Israel talks, marking a significant diplomatic shift.
• Over 300 people have reportedly been killed in ongoing strikes since the ceasefire.
• Lebanon's political leaders voice cautious sentiments regarding normalization talks.

The Israeli military has initiated a new wave of air strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting what it claims to be Hezbollah military infrastructure. The announcement came just a day after Israel and Lebanon engaged in their first direct talks in decades. Residents of Jbaa, Mahrouna, and other towns were placed under evacuation orders amid fears for their safety, as the military's Arabic-language spokesman emphasized the necessity of these precautions due to the proximity of civilian areas to Hezbollah sites, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

As tensions escalate, the strikes have reportedly left destruction in densely populated areas, including significant damage in Jbaa and Mahrouna. Israeli officials have justified the military actions as necessary to disrupt the rearmament efforts of Hezbollah, claiming that "negotiations will be held under fire." The Lebanese government is facing mounting pressure from the U.S. to disarm Hezbollah, a central issue in both the ceasefire agreement and recent diplomatic talks, according to BBC and Dawn.

During the initial talks, hosted at a UN facility, representatives discussed economic cooperation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing the need for Hezbollah disarmament. Conversely, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam noted the country remains distant from any peace framework, reiterating a cautious stance on the potential outcomes of ongoing discussions. This precarious diplomatic atmosphere coincides with continued Israeli military presence and strikes, raising concerns about regional stability, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and BBC.

Statistics reveal that since the ceasefire began in November 2024, Israel has conducted nearly daily strikes that have resulted in over 300 casualties, including numerous civilians. This continuing conflict underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement and the challenges both governments face in addressing widespread violence and humanitarian concerns amidst ongoing military operations, according to Al Jazeera and Dawn.