At Least 24 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes Across Lebanon Amid Fragile Ceasefire Efforts

At least 24 people have been killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, as violence continues despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at maintaining a ceasefire in the region.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, six people were killed in an attack on Maroub in the Tyre district. Another five fatalities were reported in the southern town of Kana. Additional strikes were carried out in several locations, including Al-Bazuriyeh, Kalila, Bafliyeh, and Klaouiyeh.

Local sources also confirmed that at least 13 people lost their lives in overnight bombardments in Tefahata, contributing to the rising death toll.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting Israeli forces in the northern settlement of I'ron. In a statement, the group said its operations would continue until what it described as Israeli and US aggression against Lebanon comes to an end.

The renewed escalation comes after weeks of intense conflict in the region. A temporary two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, brokered with Pakistan’s involvement, had raised hopes for de-escalation. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire framework, vowing to continue military operations.

Earlier this week, Israeli forces launched extensive air raids across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, reportedly striking over 100 locations within minutes. Those attacks resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

Efforts to achieve a broader peace agreement have also faced setbacks, as recent high-level talks between the United States and Iran concluded without any deal. Both sides have blamed each other for the failure, raising concerns that hostilities in Lebanon and the wider region may intensify further.