The Israeli military launched a wave of airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon on Saturday, the first such operation since a fragile ceasefire was extended for a further 45 days a day earlier. At least six people were killed and 22 wounded, Lebanese authorities said, in the deadliest single day since the truce took effect.
The heaviest toll came from a strike on a civil defence centre run by the Islamic Health Authority in the town of Harouf, in the Nabatieh region. Three of those killed were paramedics, and the facility was destroyed. Lebanon’s health ministry said rescue workers were among the casualties as they responded to the wider barrage.
The Israel Defense Forces said it had acted "in light of the Hezbollah terror organisation’s violations of the ceasefire agreement," adding that it was "forced to act against it with force." The military did not immediately comment specifically on the strike on the Harouf centre.
Hezbollah launched at least one drone toward northern Israel on Saturday, setting off sirens in the Meron area. The Israeli military said there were no reported injuries or damage. It was among the first responses attributed to the group since the ceasefire was renewed.
Israel and Lebanon agreed on Friday to extend by 45 days the ceasefire that has been in place since April 16. Under the arrangement, the United States has continued to permit Israel to strike Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure it deems an active threat, a provision that has drawn repeated criticism in Beirut.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged stronger Arab and international backing for the country’s diplomatic efforts, warning that Lebanon faced what he called its gravest crisis since its founding. He called for support to consolidate the truce rather than allow a return to full-scale war.
Médecins Sans Frontières said the targeting of medical workers in southern Lebanon formed part of what it described as an "alarming pattern" during the conflict. Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over strikes that have hit ambulances and first-responder centres over the past year.