The Israeli military launched an airstrike on a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon, just one day after a ceasefire went into effect to halt over a year of fighting. The ceasefire was brokered by the United States and France and was meant to last for 60 days in hopes of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities. However, both sides have accused each other of breaching the truce, with Israel claiming that Hezbollah violated the agreement by sending vehicles to the southern zone, and Hezbollah accusing Israel of attacking civilians returning to border villages.
The fragility of the ceasefire was further highlighted when Israeli tank fire hit five towns in southern Lebanon, injuring at least two people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the military was prepared for intense fighting if the truce is violated. The agreement also requires Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, while both sides are prohibited from launching offensive operations.
Despite the agreement, Israeli military strikes continue in Gaza, with at least 21 Palestinians killed on Thursday. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with thousands dead or injured since October 2023. The situation remains tense as Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory and Lebanese families displaced from their homes face challenges returning. The region remains on edge as both sides navigate the delicate ceasefire terms while tensions continue to simmer in the region.
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