Egypt Daily News – In an escalation of hostilities, the Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in the southern region of Syria, according to Israeli media citing military sources.
Israeli media, quoting the Israeli army, reported that the airstrikes targeted military sites containing weaponry and missile launch platforms.
On the Lebanese side, the National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes conducted successive airstrikes on several areas, including the outskirts of the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, the Marjayoun district, and villages near the border. Lebanese authorities have yet to provide an official response to the latest escalation.
The strikes reportedly targeted military sites containing weapons and rocket launchers used by Hezbollah. Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed that Israeli warplanes conducted multiple air raids on various areas in southern Lebanon, including the Zaghrabin Hill, Marjayoun district, the outskirts of Sidon, and other locations such as Marwaheen, Marj Zhour, and Kafr Kila.
The escalation follows an incident where a group of Israeli settlers entered southern Lebanon under the pretense of a “religious pilgrimage” to the tomb of Sheikh Abad. This marked the first time in decades that Israeli settlers had ventured into Lebanese territory.
Lebanese authorities condemned the incident as a violation of sovereignty and an infringement on international resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The event also sparked condemnation from Lebanese officials, who viewed it as a provocation and a breach of the ceasefire agreement that had been in place since March 8, 2024.
This agreement had put an end to over a year of hostilities, which were initially triggered by the war in Gaza. While it called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories, tensions have persisted. On March 8, the its army carried out an airstrike in southern Lebanon, targeting a Hezbollah member it claimed was attempting to re-establish positions.
Lebanese security sources confirmed that one person was killed in the strike, with reports indicating that two air-to-ground missiles hit a civilian vehicle, causing a fire. The incident has raised fears of escalating hostilities in the region. The international community is being urged to intervene to de-escalate tensions and ensure adherence to ceasefire agreements to prevent a broader conflict.
