Israeli Airstrikes Hit South Lebanon After Ceasefire Deal

BEIRUT: (Web Desk) – Israeli airstrikes were reported in southern Lebanon on Thursday, just hours after Israel and Lebanon announced an agreement to implement a conditional ceasefire following US-mediated talks in Washington.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that drone strikes hit multiple locations along roads in the south, with at least one attack resulting in casualties. The incidents occurred amid heightened tensions despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military reported that air raid sirens were activated in northern Israel following the detection of a “suspicious aerial target,” which was later resolved without incident. A separate alert was also confirmed to have been a false alarm.

In Washington, Israeli and Lebanese representatives agreed to implement a conditional ceasefire, according to a joint statement following US-led negotiations. The agreement reportedly requires a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Hezbollah before full implementation.

The framework also includes the creation of “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese Armed Forces would assume exclusive control, excluding all non-state armed groups.

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The announcement drew criticism from Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who described the arrangement as a “serious mistake.”

Before the ceasefire announcement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rockets toward Israeli military targets in southern Lebanon, including Qantara, and conducting drone attacks near the historic Beaufort Castle area.

The conflict has seen repeated failed ceasefire attempts, including one earlier agreement that was never fully implemented amid ongoing mutual accusations of violations.

Lebanese authorities claim that Israeli strikes have killed more than 3,500 people since the escalation of hostilities began in early March, while the World Health Organization reported that over 600 people have been killed since the April truce attempt.

Hezbollah official Mahmud Qomati said the group would not accept a partial ceasefire, signaling continued resistance to the terms outlined in the latest agreement.