BEIRUT, (PIC)
Israeli forces continued airstrikes and ground attacks across southern Lebanon on Friday, despite a US-announced extension of the ceasefire, raising concerns over the stability of the truce.
Lebanese state media reported that Israeli warplanes carried out multiple airstrikes and artillery shelling targeting areas including Tyre, Bint Jbeil, and Marjayoun.
Residential buildings were reportedly demolished in Bint Jbeil and Hanine, while additional strikes hit Majdal Zoun, Tulin, and Khirbet Silm. Overnight raids also targeted the Rihan heights in Jezzine district.
The Israeli military said it had struck buildings it claimed were linked to Hezbollah, as it continued operations including demolitions of homes and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire taking effect the previous week.
The escalation comes as US President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, following talks in Washington involving senior officials from both sides.
Trump said discussions were “very successful” and expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a broader peace agreement this year.
However, violations of the truce have persisted. Hezbollah said it carried out three attacks on Israeli military targets in southern Lebanon in response to what it described as ongoing ceasefire breaches.
In separate statements, the group said it targeted two gatherings of Israeli troops in the town of Taybeh, one using unspecified weapons and another with a drone attack, while also downing an Israeli reconnaissance drone over Majdal Zoun.
On the ground, Israeli forces reportedly continued to burn and demolish homes in border towns including Mays al-Jabal and Khiam, further fueling tensions.
The ceasefire, first announced on April 17 for an initial 10-day period, includes a clause cited by Israel as allowing it to take action against perceived threats, which it has used to justify continued strikes.
The ongoing violations come ahead of continued US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel, aimed at reaching a permanent agreement to end the conflict.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation remains volatile, with daily exchanges of fire threatening to undermine the already fragile truce.
Before the ceasefire, Israel’s offensive on Lebanon since March 2 had killed more than 2,400 people, wounded thousands, and displaced over one million, according to official figures.
