Beirut: At least 11 people were killed when Israel launched fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, the deadliest since the Israel-Hezbollah truce nearly two months ago. The attacks were met with defiance by the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which demanded an end to "humiliating" peace negotiations with Israel.
According to Deutsche Welle, the airstrikes have intensified tensions in the region, as both sides grapple with a fragile truce that has been in place since the previous conflict. The recent escalation has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the area.
Hezbollah has issued a strong statement condemning the airstrikes and reiterating its stance against the ongoing negotiations with Israel. The group has called for a reassessment of the peace talks, which they claim undermine Lebanon's sovereignty and dignity. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have justified their actions as necessary measures to counter threats from militant groups operating in Lebanon.
The international community has expressed alarm over the renewed hostilities, urging both parties to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table. Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation and prevent a full-scale conflict from erupting once again in the region.