Beirut: Israeli drone and air strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 16 people and injuries to 21 others, including paramedics, while also causing damage to a school. Lebanese officials reported these incidents on Wednesday, marking a significant breach of the current ceasefire agreement.
According to Anadolu Agency, two individuals lost their lives in drone strikes on the town of Mefdoun, while further airstrikes targeted regions between Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Zawtar al-Gharbiya. In a separate attack, a strike on the home of a municipal council head in the town of Zellaya in western Bekaa resulted in four fatalities and three injuries, with rescue operations still ongoing.
An Israeli strike on a car between Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Mifdoun left two people dead. Additionally, an Israeli drone targeted paramedics linked to the Islamic Health Authority in Deir Kifa, injuring three who were subsequently hospitalized.
In Aadchit, located in the Nabatieh district, another Israeli airstrike claimed one life. Furthermore, a strike on Saksakiyeh in the Zahrani area resulted in five deaths and 15 injuries. Civil defense teams in the Tyre district recovered two bodies after a strike targeted a vehicle on the al-Haddathiya road near al-Siraj Secondary School.
Israeli warplanes also inflicted severe damage on a school building in Burj Qallawiyeh, with additional strikes on Rishknaniyah, Safad al-Battikh, Baraachit, and Qallawiyeh. On the previous day, the Israeli army executed approximately 60 attacks across Lebanon, killing five people and injuring others, as hostilities have persisted since March 2.
Despite the ceasefire announced on April 17 and extended to May 17, the Israeli military continues its daily strikes in Lebanon, including the widespread demolition of homes. Since March 2, these attacks have resulted in at least 2,704 deaths, 8,311 injuries, and the displacement of over 1.6 million individuals, or about one-fifth of the population.
Israel maintains control over areas in southern Lebanon, including those occupied for decades and areas acquired during the 2023-2024 conflict, with advances reaching approximately 10 kilometers inside the southern border.