Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 11 people, including two children and two medics, in a renewed escalation in the country’s south despite a US-brokered ceasefire.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that nine people died when an Israeli strike hit and destroyed a three-storey residential building in Kfar Rumman shortly after midnight. A separate drone strike on a vehicle killed two paramedics, according to Lebanese authorities. Reuters also reported the 11 fatalities, citing the state news agency.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon target Kfar Rumman
The attack on the residential building caused heavy destruction in Kfar Rumman, while several others were reportedly wounded. The Lebanese Health Ministry separately reported that one strike on a building killed eight people, including a child and two women, and left 11 others injured. A further strike on a vehicle killed a paramedic and wounded two others, according to the ministry.
The Israeli military said it was reviewing reports of the casualties. The strikes came as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified in southern Lebanon.
Ceasefire faces renewed pressure
The latest attacks follow Israeli strikes on Sunday that killed seven people in southern Lebanon. Israel said its military action was carried out in response to drone attacks by Hezbollah against Israeli troops in areas occupied by Israel.
The renewed violence is putting further pressure on a US-brokered ceasefire reached in June that was intended to halt the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Recent fighting has continued despite the agreement, with Israel maintaining military positions in parts of southern Lebanon and conducting strikes in the region.
Lebanon warns of dangerous escalation
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the latest attacks and warned that the escalation could undermine efforts to maintain the ceasefire.
Aoun described the Israeli strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and called for international intervention to help prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
The renewed violence comes amid continuing disputes over Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah’s weapons and the implementation of arrangements intended to reduce military activity along the border.
The latest deaths are likely to intensify concerns about the durability of the ceasefire and the possibility of further fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
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