Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon in response to a drone attack that resulted in casualties, including students on a bus. This escalation follows recent deadly airstrikes in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh. The Israeli military targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in several Lebanese villages, urging residents to evacuate before launching the strikes.
The strikes, which included locations in Shehour and Deir Kifa, aimed to disrupt Hezbollah’s efforts to rearm in southern Lebanon. Israel accused Hezbollah of violating agreements by embedding weapons facilities among civilians. Both countries had previously agreed to a ceasefire and restrictions on Hezbollah’s activities in the region.
The drone strike in Tiri, southern Lebanon, killed one person and injured 11, including students on a passing bus. The identity of the deceased individual was initially unknown but later confirmed as a Hezbollah operative by the Israeli military. Lebanese authorities restricted access to the Ein el-Hilweh camp, where the aftermath of the strikes left a scene of destruction and casualties.
In response to Israeli actions, Hamas denied Israeli claims about the targeted compound in Ein el-Hilweh. Palestinian factions in Lebanon had previously started surrendering weapons to the government. The ongoing tensions stem from historical conflicts, including the latest Israel-Hezbollah war in 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction in both Lebanon and Israel.
