In fresh violations of a fragile ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, Israeli military aircraft have launched a string of airstrikes in the southern part of the Arab nation, leaving at least four people dead.
Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Public Health stated in a report that an Israeli aerial raid targeted a vehicle in Yohmar al-Shaqif town of the Nabatieh governorate on Thursday, resulting in the death of three individuals.
One more Lebanese was killed and another injured when an Israeli drone launched a guided missile at a vehicle in the Maaroub town of the Tyre district, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported.
An unnamed Lebanese security source said the drone “fired an air-to-ground missile at the civilian vehicle,” setting it on fire.
The source identified the victim as Hassan Naamah Sabra, a Hezbollah military commander from the town of al-Qantara in southern Lebanon, adding that his body was transported by civil defense teams to a hospital in Tyre.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military alleged in a statement that the Israeli Air Force “struck and eliminated” Ahmad Adnan Bajjiga, a battalion commander in Hezbollah's Radwan Force, in an overnight attack on the southern Lebanese town of Derdghaiya.
The military accused Bajjiga of advancing and directing “numerous” attacks against Israeli settlers and troops, including during the past months.
So far, there have been no reports or confirmation from the Lebanese side concerning the Israeli claim.
Earlier on Thursday, Israeli artillery shelled the Dabsh neighborhood east of Yohmar al-Shaqif, with six shells landing in the targeted area.
After enduring substantial losses over almost 14 months of conflict and not achieving its aims in the offensive against Lebanon, Israel had no choice but to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The ceasefire was implemented on November 27.
Since the initiation of the agreement, the occupying forces have been conducting attacks on Lebanon, violating the ceasefire, which encompasses airstrikes across the Arab nation.
On January 27, Lebanon declared its decision to prolong the ceasefire with Israel until February 18.
Despite the February 18 deadline having passed, Israel persists in its occupation of five critical areas in southern Lebanon, which include Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, located near the border.
Lebanon has denounced the ongoing presence of Israeli military personnel, which constitutes a breach of the ceasefire agreement and the stipulated withdrawal timeline. High-ranking officials in Beirut have stated their intention to “employ all measures” necessary to expel the occupying forces from the Arab country.