Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon after eviction notices - salaam
Salaam - Israel launched multiple strikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday afternoon after issuing evacuation notices for five villages and warning of wider operations.
Israeli forces said they were targeting infrastructure they claim Hezbollah is using to rebuild. They told people to stay at least 500 metres away from certain buildings in the villages of Taybeh, Tayr Debba, Zawtar Al Sharqiya, Aita Al Jabal and Kafr Dunin.
The warnings, given by an Israeli military spokesman, echoed the frequent evacuation orders seen during last year’s fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
The strikes began just after 4pm local time, at the same time drones were reported over Beirut and as the Lebanese army commander was briefing the Cabinet about efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
There were no immediate reports of fatalities, though one person was injured in Tayr Debba. Earlier air strikes near Taybeh killed one person and wounded eight.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks, calling them a crime under international humanitarian law and a serious political offense. He said every time Lebanon shows willingness to seek a peaceful solution, the aggression grows.
Hezbollah issued a long statement saying it has a right to defend Lebanon against what it calls ongoing aggression, and warned leaders against negotiating with Israel, arguing such talks would risk Lebanon’s safety and sovereignty.
Lebanon’s president has proposed indirect talks to resolve issues like withdrawal of forces and stopping the attacks. The ceasefire agreement from last November says Hezbollah should pull north of the Litani River and Israeli troops should leave Lebanese land, but attacks and troop presence near the southern border have continued.
Both sides accuse the other of bad faith: Israel says it must act against Hezbollah, while Hezbollah says negotiations benefit the enemy and can’t be agreed to under pressure. Lebanese officials say the focus should be on enforcing the ceasefire and protecting civilians.
May Allah protect the innocent and guide leaders toward a just, peaceful solution.
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