Lebanon says six killed in Israeli strike as US announces ceasefire extension

An Israeli air strike on the southern Lebanese town of Harouf has killed six people, including three paramedics, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. A fourth paramedic was critically injured in the attack on a civil defence centre. The Israeli military stated it targeted two Hezbollah operatives and took measures to minimize civilian casualties. This incident occurred amid ongoing tensions despite a recently extended 45-day ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Lebanon. The ceasefire, initially announced by US President Donald Trump on April 16, has been fragile, with frequent exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah along the southern Lebanese border. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes killed 22 people, including eight children, earlier in the week. The US State Department emphasized hopes that the ceasefire talks would lead to lasting peace, mutual recognition of sovereignty, and secure borders. Political negotiations are set to resume in June, while a security dialogue involving military delegations from both sides will begin at the Pentagon later this month. Israel has intensified air and artillery operations in southern Lebanon, aiming to disrupt Hezbollah’s military capabilities and establish a buffer zone to prevent future attacks. Lebanon accuses Israel of targeting civilians and paramedics, allegations Israel denies, asserting its strikes are focused on Hezbollah militants and infrastructure. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over potential war crimes linked to the destruction of villages in the region. Hezbollah continues to retaliate with rocket and drone attacks on Israeli positions in Lebanon and northern Israel. Southern Lebanon, predominantly Shia and a Hezbollah stronghold, has borne the brunt of the conflict, with over one million people displaced from southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs. The ongoing hostilities, which began in early March, underscore the fragile security situation and the complex regional dynamics involving Lebanon, Israel, and their international backers.