BEIRUT — At least 18 people have been killed and several others injured in southern Lebanon following a new wave of Israeli strikes during a period described as a ceasefire, according to local reports.
Emergency services said residential areas and surrounding villages were hit, with families reporting explosions that damaged homes and infrastructure. Rescue teams continued search and recovery operations amid fears that the casualty toll could rise.
Authorities have not yet released a full official breakdown of the casualties, while independent verification of the figures remains ongoing.
The strikes come despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining a fragile ceasefire arrangement in the region. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have remained high in recent months, with repeated exchanges of fire reported despite agreements intended to reduce hostilities.
Local residents described scenes of panic as explosions were heard overnight, with many people fleeing affected areas or sheltering indoors as strikes continued.
There has been no immediate comment from Israeli authorities regarding the reported incidents.
The situation remains fluid, with humanitarian concerns growing over civilian safety and the durability of ceasefire arrangements in southern Lebanon.
