Fresh violence erupted between Israel and Lebanon on Friday after Israeli airstrikes killed at least five people in southern Lebanon while the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, four people were killed and eight others wounded in an Israeli strike targeting the village of Toura near the coastal city of Tyre. Lebanese state media also reported another airstrike near Kfar Chouba in southeastern Lebanon that killed a paramedic working with the Lebanese Civil Defense.
The attacks came shortly after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for residents in six villages located in Tyre province, signaling possible expanded military operations in the area.
Later in the day, Hezbollah launched a volley of rockets toward northern Israel. The Israeli military stated that one rocket was intercepted while the remaining projectiles landed in open areas, causing no reported injuries or damage.
The latest escalation occurred despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect on April 17 following weeks of intense cross-border fighting. Although the truce remains officially active, repeated exchanges of fire and airstrikes have continued.
Earlier this week, Israeli forces carried out an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area considered a stronghold for Hezbollah. Israel also claimed it recently killed Ahmed Balout, described by the military as a commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, along with two other militants.
Israeli officials say the military has targeted more than 180 Hezbollah-linked sites and killed over 85 militants in the past week, though supporting evidence has not been publicly released.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged European leaders to pressure Israel to fully adhere to the ceasefire agreement and stop destruction in southern Lebanese villages still affected by military operations.
Meanwhile, Hadja Lahbib criticized both sides during a visit to Lebanon, accusing Israel and Hezbollah of effectively holding the country “hostage.” She called on Hezbollah to halt rocket attacks and disarm while urging Israel to limit airstrikes, especially those affecting humanitarian sites.
The current conflict intensified on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, Hezbollah’s primary regional ally. Israel later responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground operation in southern Lebanon.
The ceasefire brokered in Washington remains fragile as diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to continue next week in the United States.