Israel launches first airstrike on Lebanon since ceasefire after saying Hezbollah violated the truce

Fri Nov 29 01:28:10 UTC 2024: ## Ceasefire Frays as Israel Strikes Lebanon After Hezbollah Activity

**BEIRUT, Lebanon –** A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered just two days prior, is already facing serious strain after Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted a Hezbollah rocket storage facility, marking the first Israeli aerial attack since the truce went into effect. While Israel claims the strikes were in response to Hezbollah activity violating the ceasefire agreement, Lebanon’s state news agency reported two people were wounded in the attack.

The incident followed earlier reports of Israeli artillery fire in several locations near the border, prompting concerns about the agreement’s viability. Israel claims these actions were taken against individuals attempting to return to areas where troops are still deployed, a violation of the ceasefire terms. An Associated Press reporter confirmed hearing Israeli drones and artillery strikes near the border.

The ceasefire, mediated by the US and France, stipulates a two-month truce with Hezbollah withdrawing north of the Litani River and Israeli forces returning to their side of the border. A buffer zone, patrolled by Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers, is to be established. However, both sides continue to accuse the other of ceasefire violations.

The recent escalation follows fourteen months of intense conflict that began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Gaza. The conflict resulted in over 3,760 deaths in Lebanon (many civilians) and more than 70 deaths in Israel (over half civilians), according to official reports. Over 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon, with thousands starting to return home despite warnings.

Israel has warned of further strikes should Hezbollah continue to violate the ceasefire agreement, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the tenuous peace. The situation remains volatile, with the ongoing conflict in Gaza adding further complexity to the already precarious regional stability.