Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon kill 11 people, threatening fragile truce

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon have killed at least 11 people, in the deadliest attacks since a precarious truce went into effect on June 20. Lebanon's Health Ministry and state news agency said one of the airstrikes that targeted a home on the edge of the village of Ansar killed seven people, including three children, and wounded two. The second, on the village of Deir al-Zahrani, killed four and wounded 17. Israel and the Lebanese government announced a “framework agreement” on June 26, laying out a plan for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, in exchange for the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. It also envisions steps toward an eventual peace agreement between the two countries, which technically remain in a state of war nearly 80 years after Israel’s establishment. Hezbollah has refused direct talks and wasn’t party to the deal, which was brokered by the US. There have been numerous strikes since the truce went into effect two months ago, but Saturday's were the deadliest so far. On June 19, a day before the truce went into effect, Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed 83 and wounded 141, according to the health ministry. A man reacts on the rubble of a destroyed home that was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Ansar village. Credit: AP Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticised Israel's airstrikes on southern Lebanon, saying they intimidate “residents in their homes" and undermine efforts to stabilise the situation in the south. “Israel must halt this escalation,” Salam said. He added that the security of the Lebanese people and their right to life on their land “are not subject to negotiation or bargaining.” President Joseph Aoun said in comments released by his office that the strikes are “a clear message to the negotiation track and to the American efforts aimed at implementing this agreement.” The Israeli military said in a statement that it struck Hezbollah infrastructure in the areas of Ali Taher and Ansar in response to an action against Israeli soldiers in the area. The military added that it will not allow Hezbollah to harm Israeli civilians or soldiers “and will continue to operate to remove threats.” 'A horrific act of terror': Settlers siege Palestinian homes in the West Bank 'We will teach Saudi Arabia a lesson': Houthis threaten shipping attacks Hezbollah called on the Lebanese state to find ways to halt “this aggression” rather than going after US-sponsored direct talks with Israel, as it will be giving “free gifts for the enemy despite the crimes and aggression it is carrying out.” “The American side is a partner of the Israeli enemy in its crimes and massacres,” Hezbollah added in the statement. The group said that Israel must clearly understand that “its acts of aggression, violations and attempts to impose a fait accompli cannot continue” and they will be met with an appropriate response by Hezbollah. Earlier this month, two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon, the first Israeli deaths since the shaky truce. Hezbollah did not comment on the blast. Lebanon and Israel have held seven rounds of talks; the most recent took place in Rome earlier this month. The Iran-backed Hezbollah has refused to disarm and accuses the Lebanese government of making too many concessions without guaranteeing an Israeli withdrawal. Subscribe for free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know