Drone Strike by Israeli Injures 5 in Southern Lebanon

The Lebanese health ministry reported on Wednesday that an Israeli drone strike in the southern town of Majdal Selm injured at least five people. This incident follows closely on the heels of earlier airstrikes on Tuesday night in Nabatieh, another major southern Lebanese town, which resulted in 24 injuries.

According to a statement from the Israeli military, the strikes targeted Hezbollah vehicles allegedly transporting weapons on the outskirts of Nabatieh. The military action comes amidst heightened tensions in the region.

Mohammad Raad, a senior Hezbollah official, responded to the airstrikes by affirming the Lebanese people’s right to resist Israeli attacks, which he described as “sacred and legitimate.” Raad emphasized that this right should be exercised whenever and wherever necessary to safeguard Lebanon’s security.

The backdrop to these incidents is a ceasefire agreement reached in late November between Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel. This agreement aimed to conclude a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since erupting alongside the Gaza war in 2023.

The ceasefire, which initially included a 60-day period for the withdrawal of Israeli troops, was supposed to end on January 26 but was extended to February 18, as announced by the US on Sunday.

In a related development, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged US General Jasper Jeffers, who oversees the ceasefire monitoring committee, to pressure Israel to comply with the ceasefire in accordance with international law.

The Lebanese health ministry also noted a significant escalation over the previous two days, reporting that Israeli forces had killed at least 24 people and wounded 141 in southern Lebanon.

This violence occurred as thousands attempted to return to their homes in defiance of Israeli military orders, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the volatile situation on the ground.