Nabatieh: An Israeli airstrike targeted a car in southern Lebanon on Thursday, killing three people, hours before US-hosted talks between Lebanon and Israel, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. The ministry reported that the fatalities occurred when the strike hit a vehicle along a road connecting Nabatieh and Shoukine.

According to Anadolu Agency, the attack coincides with preparations in Washington to host a second round of ambassador-level talks later on Thursday. These talks aim to facilitate a peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The first round of discussions, held on April 14, marked the first such talks in 43 years and resulted in a temporary ceasefire and an agreement to initiate direct negotiations at a later stage.

Lebanon is currently seeking to extend a US-announced 10-day ceasefire, which is set to expire on Sunday. Lebanese officials have alleged that this ceasefire has been repeatedly violated by Israel, adding tensions to the ongoing diplomatic efforts.