Israel carries out blasts across south Lebanon despite ‘ceasefire’ deal
Israeli military operations continue in southern Lebanon despite an ongoing ceasefire framework and peace talks with Lebanese officials. Attacks on towns including al-Mansouri and Majdal Zoun have caused casualties and damage, with Israel occupying approximately one-fifth of Lebanese territory since fighting began in March.
Israeli military forces have maintained offensive operations across southern Lebanon even as diplomatic efforts proceed toward implementing a ceasefire agreement. Recent strikes targeted the town of al-Mansouri and the village of Majdal Zoun, with explosions from the latter audible across a 15-kilometre radius. A separate Israeli strike on an ambulance in Nabatieh al-Fawqa wounded two medical personnel, prompting the Lebanese Health Ministry to characterize the incident as a violation of international humanitarian law.
The pattern of military action reflects broader Israeli strategy in the region. Israeli officials have publicly stated intentions to demolish Lebanese border communities to establish a security buffer zone. Since hostilities began in March, Israeli operations have resulted in over 4,000 deaths and occupation of nearly one-fifth of Lebanese territory. Israeli authorities justify these operations as necessary to prevent attacks by Hezbollah into northern Israel.
A ceasefire framework, brokered by the United States and signed in Washington on June 26, envisions the Lebanese military assuming control of Israeli-occupied southern territories contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament. The agreement establishes two pilot zones where Lebanese forces are to gradually assume security responsibility. However, residents of villages including Froun and Ghandouriyeh report that Israeli forces have not withdrawn from their communities, despite Lebanese military deployment to the pilot zones this week.
Hezbollah has rejected the agreement entirely, with leader Naim Qassem declaring it void and calling for armed resistance to Israeli occupation. Regular implementation talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials continue, with the next round scheduled for August 4 in Italy. US President Donald Trump stated during a recent White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that Israeli redeployment is underway, though he provided no specific withdrawal timeline.
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