Israel Strikes Lebanon Amid Partial Truce
Israel conducted strikes in southern Lebanon despite a partial truce with Hezbollah, with both sides continuing limited hostilities. Officials said the Israeli military would 'continue to operate as planned in southern Lebanon'.
- At least 3,468 people killed in Lebanon conflict
- Over a million people displaced since March 2
- Hezbollah demands Israeli troop withdrawal
- Partial truce appears to hold despite limited hostilities
- Diplomatic efforts continue for broader ceasefire
Israel conducted strikes in southern Lebanon despite a partial truce with Hezbollah, with both sides continuing limited hostilities. Officials said the Israeli military would 'continue to operate as planned in southern Lebanon'.
Government sources said that diplomatic efforts continue to seek a broader ceasefire.
Hezbollah Demands Israeli Troop Withdrawal
Hezbollah has not fully endorsed the truce, demanding Israeli troop withdrawal. A Hezbollah spokesman said, 'There was no ceasefire agreement, just the protection.' Mahmoud Qamati, a member of Hezbollah's Political Council, said that potential Israeli strikes on southern Beirut's Dahieh area had been blocked by Iranian pressure.
Hezbollah's military wing said its fighters had targeted Israeli tanks and troops in southern Lebanese towns with drones, missiles, and shells.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Diplomatic efforts continue to seek a broader ceasefire. Officials said that establishing 'pilot zones' - specific geographic areas where hostilities would stop, Israeli troops would withdraw, and Lebanese soldiers would deploy - could be a step towards a full ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to pull back any troops preparing to attack Beirut. However, Netanyahu said Israeli operations in southern Lebanon would continue with forces pushing deeper into the region.
Experts said that a ceasefire in Lebanon was a precondition for a broader truce with the US.
Historical Context
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with an air campaign across Lebanon and a ground invasion in the south, which has been escalating in recent weeks.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war is closely tied to tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Lebanon was drawn into the war between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Human Impact
The conflict has had a significant human impact, with over a million people displaced and at least 3,468 people killed.
Witnesses said that drivers heading back to their villages along coastal highways cheered each other, flashed victory signs, and exchanged blessings.
Despite warnings from Lebanese officials that they should not immediately attempt to return to their homes, many began moving toward southern Lebanon in the hours after the ceasefire was declared.
The truce appeared to be largely holding overnight.
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