By By Elizabeth Ugbo
At least 14 people died and several others sustained injuries on Friday when Israeli air strikes hit multiple towns in southern Lebanon. The attacks occurred as Lebanese and Israeli military delegations met at the Pentagon in Washington to discuss regional security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli troops had crossed the Litani River, about 30 kilometres north of the border, expanding military operations. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the United States to help secure an immediate ceasefire. The latest escalation comes despite a ceasefire agreement that began on April 17 and was later extended on May 17.
Israeli Air Strikes Intensify Across Southern Lebanon
According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), an Israeli strike on a building in Abbasiyeh, near the city of Tyre, killed four people. Another strike in Deir Qanoun en-Nahr claimed one life.
Furthermore, attacks on the al-Harthiyeh area near Adloun killed eight Syrian nationals. Israeli forces also launched strikes on Gandouriyeh, Froun, al-Mansouri, as-Sarafand and Khirbet Selm.
In Harayib, warplanes targeted a residential house, injuring several residents. Earlier in the day, an Israeli drone strike killed a Lebanese police officer in Aba, Nabatieh province.
Children Bear the Brunt of Escalating Violence
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported a sharp rise in child casualties.
According to UNICEF, 15 children died and 62 suffered injuries during the past seven days. The agency described the figures as alarming.
UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires said most of the casualties resulted from air strikes in southern Lebanon. He stressed that international humanitarian law requires the protection of children during armed conflicts.
The agency also revealed that seven children died and 30 others sustained injuries in a single day.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The continued attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands of Lebanese residents since March 2.
As a result, humanitarian needs have increased significantly across affected communities.
Medical aid organisation Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that worsening security conditions could force aid workers to withdraw from some areas.
Jeremy Ristord of MSF said the organisation may leave locations where staff safety cannot be guaranteed.
Lebanon Pushes for Ceasefire During Pentagon Talks
Military representatives from Lebanon and Israel met in Washington amid growing international concern over the conflict.
The Lebanese delegation is led by Georges Rizkallah, the army’s director of operations. On the Israeli side, Brigadier General Amichai Levin heads the delegation.
Lebanon plans to demand an end to Israel’s ongoing military attacks during the discussions.
Aoun and Rubio Discuss Path to Peace
During a phone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed the importance of achieving a ceasefire.
Aoun described a ceasefire as the essential first step toward resolving broader issues between both countries.
In response, Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and independence.
He also praised Aoun’s efforts to pursue direct negotiations with Israel.
Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio commended the Lebanese president’s vision and leadership in seeking diplomatic solutions.
Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Blame
Rubio blamed Hezbollah for the continued violence and called on the group to stop its attacks immediately.
However, fighting has intensified despite the ceasefire agreement brokered through indirect US-mediated negotiations.
The latest developments highlight growing fears that the conflict could widen further unless diplomatic efforts produce a lasting ceasefire.
