Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed 12 people on Friday according to the Lebanese health ministry, in one of the deadliest escalations since the ceasefire with Hezbollah in November 2024. The Israeli strikes in Lebanon targeted areas in the Bekaa Valley and the south.
Lebanon said the attacks hit civilian-populated districts and resulted in dozens of injuries including children. Israel claimed it targeted command sites belonging to Hezbollah and Hamas.
Casualties reported in Bekaa Valley
The health ministry confirmed that Israeli attacks on several locations in the eastern Bekaa Valley killed 10 people and wounded at least 24. Official media earlier reported six killed and more than 25 wounded following heavy strikes across the region.
Hezbollah announced that one of its commanders was killed in the Bekaa raids. Israel said its forces struck what it described as Hezbollah command centers in the Baalbek area.
Strike on Ain al Helweh
Hours before the Bekaa attack, an Israeli drone hit a neighborhood in the Ain al Helweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. The health ministry said two people were killed. An AFP correspondent reported smoke rising from a damaged building as ambulances rushed to the scene.
Israel stated it targeted a Hamas command center in the area. Hamas rejected the claim and said the building belonged to the joint security force responsible for maintaining order inside the camp. The group condemned the strike and said civilians were among the casualties.
Previous incidents in Ain al Helweh
A similar raid in November reportedly targeted what Israel described as a Hamas training compound and killed 13 people. The UN rights office said 11 of the victims were children. Hamas denied having military sites in Palestinian camps inside Lebanon.
Political reactions and renewed tensions
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Friday’s attacks, calling them an act of aggression meant to obstruct ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States and other countries.
A Hezbollah lawmaker, Rami Abu Hamdan, urged the government to suspend meetings of the multinational committee overseeing the 2024 ceasefire, arguing that continued Israeli strikes undermine the process.
Lebanon had earlier committed to a plan to disarm Hezbollah in stages. The Lebanese army announced last month that it had completed the first phase along the border. Israel said the progress was insufficient and continues to accuse Hezbollah of rearming.
Background to the conflict
Hostilities escalated in October 2023 when Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in support of Hamas during the Gaza war. This led to two months of full-scale clashes and continued sporadic exchanges despite the 2024 ceasefire.
Conclusion:
The latest strikes underline the fragility of the ceasefire and highlight increasing concerns over renewed confrontation along the Lebanese-Israeli border. Lebanese officials warn the attacks could threaten regional diplomatic efforts.
