Escalating Tensions: Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Stir Controversy

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, resulting in one fatality and eight injuries, as confirmed by the Lebanese Health Ministry. The Israeli military claimed it hit weapons and tunnel shafts linked to the militant group, accusing them of breaching a US-brokered ceasefire.

The strikes occurred near Nabatieh, amidst growing demands for Hezbollah to disarm. Despite Lebanese authority efforts to regain control of the south, Hezbollah insists on retaining arms against perceived Israeli aggression. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated commitment to negotiate Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese land following a meeting in Baalbek.

Since the ceasefire in November, hostilities persist, with recent airstrikes following rocket launches from southern Lebanon into northern Israel. Both Israel and Hezbollah agreed to retreat post-2006 war, leaving the region under Lebanese military and UN oversight. Yet, achieving a complete disengagement remains elusive.

(With inputs from agencies.)