Israel-Hezbollah War Continues Despite Truce Extension; Death Toll Approaches 3,000 in Lebanon

Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon

On Monday, airstrikes were carried out by Israel in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese security sources and the state news agency. The strikes followed new attacks on Israeli forces announced by Hezbollah, despite a US-backed truce extension.

The 45-day ceasefire extension began at midnight after talks between Lebanon and Israel on Friday. This extension comes amid US-led diplomacy aimed at resolving the US-Iran conflict, with Iran demanding an end to Israel’s war in Lebanon as part of any deal.

An Israeli strike near Baalbek killed a Hezbollah commander and his daughter overnight, according to security sources in Lebanon. The Israeli military stated that it had taken steps to mitigate civilian harm but did not confirm the death of the commander’s daughter.

Hezbollah responded by launching an explosive drone at Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system and carrying out attacks on Israeli forces in Lebanon. Israel’s military claimed some strikes aimed at Israeli soldiers also crossed into Lebanese territory.

The Israeli military struck over 30 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon within 24 hours, warning residents of three villages to leave their homes. The health ministry reported a death toll of 2,988 since the war began on March 2, with 613 women, children, and healthcare workers among the dead.