Beirut, Lebanon – Web Desk: Israeli airstrikes have continued across southern Lebanon despite the announcement of multiple ceasefire agreements, with Lebanese health authorities reporting that at least seven people, including women and children, were killed in the latest wave of attacks . The strikes targeted towns and villages across the region, with rescue teams recovering six bodies from the rubble in Nabatieh on Sunday .
Hezbollah Responds; Casualties Mount
The Israeli military said its strikes came after Hezbollah fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight . Hezbollah, in turn, accused Israel of attempting to advance toward the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge and said its fighters had ambushed an Israeli infantry force . The Lebanese health ministry has confirmed that the cumulative death toll from Israeli attacks since March 2 has surpassed 4,000 .
Israel Vows to Stay in Southern Lebanon
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israeli forces will maintain their presence in a security zone in southern Lebanon and will not withdraw “as long as necessary” to protect northern communities. His office has stated that Israel views the conflict with Hezbollah as separate from the US-Iran war .
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz
In response to the ongoing Israeli attacks, Iran’s military command announced on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to maritime traffic, citing what it called a “clear breach” of US commitments to implement the preliminary peace deal . Iran has accused the United States of failing to prevent Israel from violating the ceasefire in Lebanon, as stipulated in Article 1 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding .
However, the US Central Command has reported that safe passage through the strait remained intact on Saturday, with 55 merchant ships transiting the waterway . The conflicting statements underscore the fragile and uncertain status of the vital shipping lane as diplomatic efforts continue .
Lebanon Issue Dominates US-Iran Talks
The conflict in Lebanon was set to be the “main topic of discussion” during the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, according to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman . The talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, are facing significant disruption due to the ongoing clashes . Analysts have identified the Lebanon front as the primary obstacle to the broader peace agreement, with the ultimate resolution depending on President Trump’s ability to pressure Israel to halt its military operations .
