Lebanon says Israeli strike killed six people as Washington announces fresh 45-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
- +Israeli Strike Kills Six In Lebanon As US Announces 45-Day Ceasefire Extension
An Israeli air strike on southern Lebanon has killed six people, including three paramedics, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, hours after the United States announced a 45-day extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
An Israeli air strike on southern Lebanon has killed six people, including three paramedics, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, hours after the United States announced a 45-day extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese health ministry said the strike targeted a civil defence centre in the town of Harouf, leaving another paramedic critically injured.
The Israeli military had not immediately commented on the incident at the time of reporting.
The attack came shortly after the US State Department announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire following two days of negotiations in Washington DC.
US State Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, said the talks were aimed at advancing “lasting peace” between both countries.
“We hope these discussions will advance lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing genuine security along their shared border,” Pigott stated.
According to him, political negotiations between the parties will resume in June, while a separate security track involving military delegations from both countries is scheduled to begin at the Pentagon on May 29.
US President Donald Trump had initially announced the ceasefire on April 16, but clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued despite the truce.
On Wednesday, Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli air strikes killed 22 people, including eight children, across southern Lebanon.
Israel has intensified aerial and artillery bombardments in recent days, insisting it is targeting Hezbollah fighters and military infrastructure.
However, Lebanese authorities have repeatedly accused Israel of striking civilians and emergency workers, allegations the Israeli government denies.
Israeli officials say the military campaign is intended to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to prevent future Hezbollah attacks.
The conflict has devastated large parts of southern Lebanon, with entire villages reportedly destroyed amid continuous bombardments.
Human rights groups have accused Israel of actions that could amount to war crimes, claims Israeli authorities have rejected.
Hezbollah has also continued launching rockets and drones into northern Israel and targeting Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon.
The fighting has displaced more than one million people across Lebanon, particularly from the south, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, areas regarded as Hezbollah strongholds.
The latest escalation began on March 2, shortly after the US and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran.
Since then, Lebanon’s health ministry says at least 2,896 people have been killed in the country, while Israeli authorities report 18 soldiers and four civilians killed during the hostilities.
