Three killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon as US head of ceasefire committee visits Beirut - As-salamu alaykum
As-salamu alaykum. At least three people were killed in Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Thursday as the US general in charge of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism arrived in Beirut.
An 80-year-old woman died and three others were injured after air raids hit Arab Salim in south Lebanon Thursday night. Earlier that day, two people were killed in the Bekaa Valley when heavy bombardment struck the area.
Israel said it was targeting Hezbollah sites, including what it called training camps of the Radwan Force, but gave no evidence for those claims.
The attacks damaged schools and caused minor injuries to some students.
Even after the November ceasefire agreement, Israel has kept up frequent strikes across Lebanon, especially in the south. Drone activity over Beirut has been intense this past week, reportedly even near the president’s residence, which many saw as a warning to Lebanon to speed up disarmament of armed groups.
With the ceasefire holding in Gaza, there are concerns Israel may increase pressure on Lebanon.
US Maj Gen Joseph Clearfield, newly appointed to head the monitoring committee, met President Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during his visit. Lebanese leaders called for international pressure on Israel to stop the attacks.
Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah was to pull back north of the Litani River and the Lebanese Armed Forces would take its positions, while Israeli forces were meant to withdraw. Yet Israel still occupies several points in Lebanese territory and continues bombardments.
Facing US pressure and fearing further escalation, the Lebanese government has begun steps to disarm Hezbollah. A US envoy warned that slow progress could prompt Israel to act unilaterally and risk another war.
Mr Salam said Lebanon aims to finish the first phase of the disarmament plan - the area south of the Litani - by year’s end. Hezbollah, however, resists calls to disarm, especially while Israeli strikes and troop presence persist.
May Allah protect the innocent and bring peace and justice to the people affected by this violence. Please keep those harmed and displaced in your duas.
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