Five Killed in Israeli Strikes Hours After Ceasefire With Hezbollah Takes Effect

At least five people were killed in Israeli air strikes and drone attacks in southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to Lebanese state media, just hours after a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group came into effect. The reported attacks have raised fresh concerns over the stability of the newly announced truce and the prospects for maintaining calm in the region.

Lebanon's state news agency NNA reported that Israeli warplanes and drones carried out multiple strikes across the Nabatieh area overnight and into Saturday morning. The agency said residential buildings and homes were destroyed in the attacks, while Israeli artillery also shelled Nabatieh and its surrounding areas before dawn, causing further damage.

The ceasefire had been agreed upon on Friday following an escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, according to a US official. A senior Israeli official and two Hezbollah sources separately confirmed the agreement to Reuters, with the US official stating that the truce was scheduled to take effect at 4 pm local time (1300 GMT) on Friday.

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Despite the agreement, the latest strikes underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the challenges involved in sustaining peace after weeks of military confrontation. Neither side immediately provided detailed public comments regarding the reported attacks, while the situation on the ground remained tense amid concerns over possible further violations.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified regional instability and complicated wider diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Iran and other regional stakeholders. International mediators have been working to prevent further escalation, viewing a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon as an essential step toward broader negotiations aimed at reducing tensions across the Middle East.

The latest violence comes as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a more durable regional settlement following the recent US-Iran memorandum aimed at ending hostilities. Developments in southern Lebanon are expected to remain under close international scrutiny as officials assess whether the ceasefire can hold and create conditions for sustained peace and further negotiations.

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