Israel has been accused of breaking a ceasefire agreement after missile strikes on Lebanon killed 17 people, including two children, and injured 35 others on Thursday. The ceasefire, brokered in Washington on 16 April and extended by US President Donald Trump, has been repeatedly violated by Israel, according to Lebanon's army and French officials.
Ceasefire Violations
The ceasefire, which was supposed to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, has been undermined by Israeli airstrikes targeting what Israel describes as Hezbollah infrastructure. Israel has issued evacuation warnings for 15 southern Lebanese villages and plans to occupy a 10-kilometer buffer zone along the border. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called for international pressure on Israel to respect international law and stop targeting civilians, paramedics, and humanitarian organizations. French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the strikes, describing them as indiscriminate.
Rising Death Toll
The conflict has claimed over 2,500 lives in Lebanon since 2 March, with a particularly deadly incident on 8 April, dubbed Black Wednesday, where more than 350 people were killed in rapid, unwarned attacks. The latest strikes have further strained the fragile ceasefire, raising fears of a wider escalation.
International observers have urged both sides to adhere to the ceasefire terms and resume diplomatic efforts to prevent further civilian casualties. The situation remains tense, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.
