BEIRUT: A recent Israeli drone strike near Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including three children, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The Lebanese president has labeled the event a “massacre.”
Reports from the National News Agency indicate that the strike targeted a motorcycle in the area. The Israeli military confirmed that it was aimed at a Hezbollah member. They stated that this individual was acting from within a civilian area, violating agreements between Israel and Lebanon.
The Israeli Defense Forces expressed regret over the civilian casualties, stating they strive to minimize harm during their operations. They added that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Israel has a history of conducting strikes in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire established last November aimed at halting hostilities.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the drone strike, calling it a “massacre” and urging the international community to hold Israel accountable for the ceasefire violations. He made these comments while in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
“As discussions on peace and human rights unfold, Israel continues to ignore international agreements,” Aoun said, referring to the incident that claimed the lives of five individuals, including three children.
He emphasized the need for global leaders to intervene and compel Israel to respect the ceasefire and withdraw from Lebanese territory.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also criticized the strikes, labeling them a “deliberate crime against civilians.” He called for strong action from the countries overseeing the ceasefire to stop Israel’s aggression.
The ceasefire, established last November, is monitored by a committee that includes representatives from the United States, France, Lebanon, and Israel.
There has been an increase in Israeli strikes in Lebanon recently, with the military reporting attacks on Hezbollah’s arms depots in southern Lebanon earlier in the week.
Under significant pressure from the US and amid concerns of broader Israeli actions, the Lebanese government is now working to disarm Hezbollah. Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi indicated that the army plans to complete this disarmament within three months. However, the latest strikes have reportedly increased Israeli violations of the ceasefire, raising concerns about the progress of the disarmament efforts.
