Israeli aircraft targeted Hezbollah's weapons smuggling sites near the Syria-Lebanon border, the Israeli military reported on Saturday. The strikes, which Israel claims were a response to ceasefire violations involving smuggled weapons, test the fragile truce established just days earlier. Syrian authorities and Hezbollah have yet to comment on the attacks.
This latest strike, part of several since the ceasefire began on Wednesday, occurs amidst rising tensions across the Middle East. In Syria, insurgents launched a surprise offensive in Aleppo, the country’s largest city, intensifying the region’s ongoing instability.
The truce, mediated by the U.S. and France, aims to halt months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. It stipulates that Hezbollah withdraw north of Lebanon’s Litani River, while Israeli forces return to their border positions within a 60-day period. Both sides, however, have accused each other of breaching the agreement. Despite these claims, the ceasefire has largely held, with no reports of major casualties.
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In southern Lebanon, displaced Lebanese civilians have started returning to their homes despite military warnings to avoid certain areas. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state news agency reported an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in Majdal Zoun, a southern village near the Mediterranean. The agency mentioned casualties but provided no specifics.
Israeli forces, still operating in southern Lebanon during the withdrawal period, have reportedly been targeting "suspects" and confiscated weapons concealed in a mosque. Israel insists it has the right to strike in response to ceasefire violations and remains focused on ensuring displaced Israelis can return home.
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Hezbollah initiated attacks against Israel on October 8, 2023, following Hamas’ assault on southern Israel the previous day. This triggered nearly a year of low-intensity cross-border skirmishes, culminating in Israel’s expanded military campaign. The conflict included airstrikes, a ground invasion, and the elimination of key Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah.
Lebanese officials report over 3,760 fatalities, mostly civilians, due to Israeli attacks during the conflict. Meanwhile, over 70 Israelis, including civilians and soldiers, were killed, with dozens of troops losing their lives in southern Lebanon.