By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Multiple Israeli drone strikes killed at least four people in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh governorate on Tuesday, despite an existing ceasefire and a recent understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities. The attacks targeted vehicles in Mayfadoun and Shoukin, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), while residents returning home expressed fears that the conflict remains far from over.
Fresh Israeli Strikes Hit Nabatieh
The NNA reported that Israeli drones struck two vehicles in the town of Mayfadoun. Another vehicle came under attack in the nearby village of Shoukin.
The strikes killed at least four people. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims.
The attacks occurred despite a ceasefire and recent diplomatic efforts to halt military operations across the region.
Residents Fear Conflict Will Continue
Many residents returned to inspect their damaged homes after the latest violence. However, uncertainty overshadowed their return.
Mohammed Nasser said decades of conflict have made it impossible to trust Israel.
“This is a decades-old conflict with Israel, an enemy that can’t be trusted, and we can never feel safe,” he said.
Another resident, Hussein Badreddine, claimed Israeli forces were attempting to regain positions once occupied in southern Lebanon during the 1990s.
He added that Hezbollah fighters were preventing Israeli troops from advancing.
Ceasefire Agreement Faces Immediate Challenges
Although the final memorandum of understanding has not been released, Pakistan, one of the mediators, announced that the agreement calls for an immediate halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.
However, the situation remains tense.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would continue occupying parts of southern Lebanon despite the understanding.
Iran Demands Israeli Withdrawal
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Israel’s continued presence in southern Lebanon violates the spirit of the agreement.
He stressed that the conflict cannot be considered over until Israeli troops withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters also warned Israel of a strong military response if attacks on southern Lebanon continue.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, urged the United States to pressure Israel to end military operations, stop demolishing homes, and withdraw its forces during a phone call with Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Hezbollah Awaits Next Phase of Talks
Hezbollah said Iran has assured the group that it will push for a complete Israeli withdrawal during the next round of negotiations with the United States.
Throughout the talks, Iranian officials have consistently maintained that any lasting ceasefire must include an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
