Several reported killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite ceasefire
BBC News 2026-06-20 08:53:53
Context: Several people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, despite a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah being announced less than 24 hours earlier. The strikes, which targeted over a dozen areas including around the city of Nabatieh, were in response to Hezbollah firing over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces. The ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon have drawn international attention, with Washington criticizing Israel's operations and seeking to cement a peace deal with Iran.
Key Facts
- At least 11 people have been killed after Israeli warplanes, drones, and artillery targeted more than a dozen areas in southern Lebanon, many around the city of Nabatieh.
- The Israeli military struck "Hezbollah terrorist targets" after the group fired over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
- Washington has criticized Israel's ongoing operations in Lebanon, fearing that continued tensions could undermine the US peace deal with Iran, which includes a commitment to end fighting on "all fronts" including Lebanon.
- The Israeli military has not responded to the latest air strikes, but a spokesperson previously stated that its forces would "continue to remove immediate threats", despite domestic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue military action against Hezbollah.
- Around a million people remain displaced, and dozens of communities in southern Lebanon have been completely destroyed, as Israel occupies around 5% of the country's territory in the south, aiming to drive back Hezbollah fighters from its northern border.