Credited from: LEMONDE
Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon have resulted in at least 19 fatalities, including many civilians, despite a US-brokered ceasefire that went into effect on April 17. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least seven of these were killed in the town of Saksakiyeh, along with numerous injuries, while strikes also targeted the cities of Nabatieh and other southern areas. Reports indicate that the violence has escalated with daily attacks from both sides, challenging the effectiveness of the ceasefire, which aims to halt ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, according to Le Monde, BBC, Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, and LA Times.
Notably, a tragic incident involved an Israeli drone strike targeting a motorcycle carrying a Syrian national and his 12-year-old daughter in Nabatieh. Reports indicate that the father was killed immediately, while the girl succumbed to severe injuries shortly after. The sequence of attacks highlights the high civilian toll of military operations occurring despite the ceasefire, as Lebanese officials condemned these actions as violations of international humanitarian law, according to BBC and LA Times.
The Israeli military has justified its operations by accusing Hezbollah militants of planning attacks, indicating that military action will continue against perceived threats. However, this stance raises concerns about the protection of civilian lives in conflict zones, as Israel has repeatedly urged residents in certain villages to evacuate ahead of strikes. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has retaliated with drone attacks on Israeli positions, further escalating the cycle of violence despite diplomatic efforts for peace talks scheduled in Washington, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.