Israel carried out fresh airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday despite an existing ceasefire agreement, as Hezbollah revealed that Iran had reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the militant group amid growing regional tensions.
According to Hezbollah, its leader Naim Qassem received a message from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that Tehran would continue backing the group and would not abandon its allies in Lebanon. The message reportedly referred to ongoing diplomatic proposals aimed at ending the broader Middle East conflict and ensuring Lebanon is included in any future ceasefire arrangement.
The renewed violence comes despite a ceasefire announced on April 17 by United States President Donald Trump, which was recently extended for several more weeks. However, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued excing strikes along the border.
Lebanon’s state news agency reported that Israeli forces launched strikes on several locations in southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation warnings to residents in about 15 villages. One strike reportedly hit an army barracks in Nabatieh, injuring a Lebanese solr.
Israel’s military said the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre and other areas, claiming precautions were taken to reduce civilian casualties. However, Lebanon’s health ministry accused Israel of violating humanitarian law after overnight strikes damaged a hospital in Tyre.
Hospital officials confirmed that around 40 patients were inside the facility during the strike. While no patients were ed, about 30 medical staff reportedly suffered minor injuries. Witnesses described scenes of panic and destruction following the ardment.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah continued strike on Israeli positions in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, including targeting air defence systems across the border.
Tensions in the region have remained high since Hezbollah launched rocket strikes on Israel on March 2 following the ing of Iran’s supreme leader in joint United States and Israeli strikes.
Diplomatic efforts to restore calm are still ongoing, with further security talks between Lebanon and Israel expected at the Pentagon later this month and another round of negotiations planned for June.
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