Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets Amid Ceasefire

According to the reports on Friday (31 January), the Israeli military launched airstrikes overnight targeting Hezbollah positions in the Bekaa Valley and near the Syrian-Lebanese border. The strikes hit an underground weapons development facility and a site linked to arms smuggling into Lebanon. This comes after Israel intercepted a Hezbollah surveillance drone, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah and Israel agreed to a ceasefire in late November following the Gaza war in 2023. The United States confirmed that the agreement, which includes a 60-day Israeli troop withdrawal period, has been extended until February 18. Despite this extension, tensions remain high as both sides continue to engage in military actions.

Since the ceasefire extension, Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory have resulted in over 100 casualties, including both deaths and injuries. The continued military actions have raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire and the possibility of further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.

The most recent Israeli attack was a drone strike in the southern Lebanese town of Majdal Selm, which injured at least five people. As tensions persist, it remains uncertain whether the ceasefire will hold or if further hostilities will erupt before the February 18 deadline.

References

• Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets Amid Ceasefire Tensions