Israeli strikes killed at least six people on Friday, even as a fresh ceasefire, achieved through U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon's government, was declared. Reports indicated an Israeli strike on Qalawiya Tower specifically killed one person and wounded another. The Zionist regime continues to order the forced displacement of towns and villages in southern Lebanon, telling residents of at least nine locations to flee.
Israeli aircraft bombed Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Zibdine, Shoukin, and Jebchit. In Khiam, Israeli forces carried out a heavy machinegun sweep and a major demolition operation in Bab al-Thaniya.
Ceasefire Details and Rejection
A new United States-brokered ceasefire agreement between Lebanese and Israeli officials was reached in Washington, D.C. However, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem rejected the deal, calling it "a farce." Hezbollah formally rejected the latest ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government on Thursday, demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. Hezbollah's Naim Qassem stated that "northern parts of occupied territories will remain a target for fighters as long as the Israeli regime continues to bomb Lebanon."
The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Lebanon's armed forces would take control of security zones in Lebanon, from which militants would be banned. It also terms Hezbollah "an enemy" of Israel, the U.S. And Lebanon, calling for its dismantling. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the new agreement as "the last chance to enter a final and full ceasefire." The Israeli military reported killing an armed militant and later discovering a Hezbollah cache in the area containing guns, grenades, surface-to-air missiles, and other combat gear. The ongoing fighting has resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Israeli soldiers and three civilians.
Escalating Violence and Casualties
Israeli warplanes struck Doueir, destroying a residential building and killing Hassan Youssef Sarhan, reports indicated. One person suffered critical injuries in the Doueir strike. In Habboush, Israeli strikes killed Dr. Mohammad Jaafar Ahmad Saeed Nehme and Hassan Nidal Jouni. Artillery fire also impacted Kfar Tebnit, Kfar Reman, and areas around Mayfadoun, according to reports. Near Tyre, Israeli warplanes struck close to Jabal Amel Hospital, targeting the Bank Audi area.
Hezbollah stated it had launched three retaliatory attacks on Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon over a 24-hour period. Hezbollah reported multiple retaliatory attacks on Thursday and early Friday, including a rocket salvo targeting Israeli soldiers at 9 pm (18:00 GMT) Thursday and two separate artillery barrages against Israeli vehicles and troops on the outskirts of Haddatha at 11:30 pm (20:30 GMT) Thursday and 12:30 am (21:30 GMT) Friday. A United Nations peacekeeper was killed in the crossfire, reports indicated. An Israeli soldier was also killed in combat in southern Lebanon, according to reports. The Lebanese news agency reported airstrikes in the south and said a strike on the village of Sohmor in the Bekaa Valley, in eastern Lebanon, killed three people and wounded others.
Broader Context and International Impact
Drone alert sirens sounded in several border communities in northern Israel on Thursday, triggered by attempts to intercept drones that impacted near soldiers in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir acknowledged Thursday that the ongoing conflict was straining northern Israeli towns under the threat of Hezbollah fire. In a development marking the first such withdrawal since the current hostilities began three months ago, Lebanese troops moved into the southern village of Dibbine on Thursday afternoon, coordinating with U.N. Peacekeepers after Israeli forces departed the area.
Internationally, the fighting in Lebanon threatens efforts to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran demanding that any lasting truce extend to Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, seeks to continue Israel’s offensive until Hezbollah no longer poses a threat. U.S. President Donald Trump has minimized the diplomatic deadlock, stating that "a ceasefire is when you’re shooting in a more moderate manner."
A Serbian peacekeeper was killed and two others wounded when a mortar struck their position near Marjayoun. The Israeli military announced that a 21-year-old captain in the armored corps was killed in southern Lebanon. Separately, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported a drone strike killed a motorcyclist and wounded four people in the village of Maaroub.
