Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon Continue Amid Ceasefire Efforts

Beirut: Israeli airstrikes continued across Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement reached after direct talks between the two sides in the United States, according to Lebanese media and officials. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes struck the Al Qatrani area in the Jezzine district of southern Lebanon, as well as the town of Qlaileh in Nabatieh governorate in the early morning hours. According to Oman News Agency, seven people were killed and several others wounded on Saturday evening in airstrikes on various areas of southern Lebanon. Earlier on Saturday, a man and a woman were killed and several others, including paramedics, wounded in a series of Israeli strikes on the city of Nabatieh and nearby towns. Two officers and a soldier were also killed in an Israeli attack on a Lebanese army patrol on the Khardali road in Nabatieh. The Israeli military reported the deaths of two of its own soldiers. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday condemned what he called a flagrant violat ion of his country's autonomy following the killing of the soldiers, saying the attack was part of ongoing escalation that threatens stability and security in the south, despite Lebanon's efforts in Washington negotiations to end relentless Israeli attacks. UNIFIL said the incidents on Lebanese territory constitute a serious violation of Lebanon's autonomy and territorial integrity, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The European Union mission in Lebanon said the US-brokered ceasefire agreement represents a renewed opportunity to end the conflict and achieve lasting peace and security, adding that the EU remains ready to support its implementation and calls for full compliance with Resolution 1701. The Muslim World League condemned the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon, most recently the targeting of Lebanese army soldiers performing their national duty. Its Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa, said the ongoing violations of Lebanon's autonomy and the targeting of its arm y constitute a serious breach of international and humanitarian norms and laws, reaffirming full solidarity with Lebanon against all threats to its security, stability and autonomy.