Israel conducts airstrikes on four border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, resulting in two fatalities in southern Lebanon.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated significantly, leading to heightened tensions in the region. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned Israel’s actions as systematic aggression against civilian areas, highlighting the precarious nature of the ceasefire that had been brokered by the United States after a prolonged period of violence. This latest wave of airstrikes not only threatens the fragile peace but also underscores the need for renewed dialogue and diplomatic efforts to address the persistent issues facing Lebanon.

Israeli military actions have intensified recently, as officials reported targeting several crossing points along the Syria-Lebanon border. This aggression comes in the wake of earlier strikes on southern Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to around 20 others. Despite the existence of a ceasefire, negotiated by the United States in late 2024 to curb clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has allegedly continued to violate the terms of this agreement, raising concerns about stability in the region.

In a statement given on Wednesday, President Aoun expressed his deep alarm over what he characterized as a policy of systematic aggression by Israel. He condemned the airstrikes on populated Lebanese villages, emphasizing that such actions represent a dangerous escalation that directly targets civilians. “This repeated aggressive behaviour reaffirms Israel’s refusal to abide by its obligations arising from the cessation of hostilities agreement,” Aoun stated, calling for a reevaluation of the existing ceasefire arrangements.

Reports indicate that at least 19 individuals sustained injuries during these assaults, particularly in the southern Lebanese town of Qanarit. The state-run National News Agency documented Israeli air assaults on numerous locations, including al-Kharayeb, al-Ansar, and Kfour, where civilian buildings were severely damaged. Warnings issued by the Israeli military prior to these attacks suggested an intent to strike at locations considered strategic for Hezbollah.

Further complicating the situation, one airstrike on a vehicle in the Zahrani district led to one death, while another targeting a car in Bazuriyeh resulted in additional casualties. The aftermath saw emergency workers responding to scenes of devastation—including a charred vehicle along a main road in Sidon.

In a social media post, the Israeli military claimed that its operations were aimed at disrupting weapon transfers and specifically “eliminating” key Hezbollah figures believed to facilitate arms smuggling. In response, the Lebanese army condemned these strikes as blatant violations of national sovereignty and the ceasefire agreement, asserting these actions hinder their military’s capabilities to implement the disarmament plan agreed upon in the ceasefire negotiations.

Hezbollah, for its part, has rejected demands to disarm amid ongoing Israeli attacks that have reportedly resulted in over 350 casualties in Lebanon, contradicting the cessation of hostilities pledged in November 2024. This situation not only represents a humanitarian crisis but also highlights the urgent need for comprehensive dialogue approaches to craft sustainable peace within the region.

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