Israeli strikes hit south Lebanon, Bekaa despite US-Iran ceasefire

Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling targeted multiple areas in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa on Wednesday, despite a newly announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran that raised hopes of broader de-escalation across the region.

An Israeli airstrike struck a vehicle at the entrance of the town of Qlaileh in the Tyre district, while artillery shelling hit the towns of Chaqra in Bint Jbeil and Jmaijmeh. Another strike targeted the main square in Rihan, as well as the western Bekaa town of Yohmor.

Israeli drones also carried out several attacks, including a strike on a car along the main road in Hanouiyeh, in the Tyre district, causing injuries. A separate drone strike hit a motorcycle in the town of Qana. Additional airstrikes targeted Chaqra, with casualties reported.

In the Sidon area, the National News Agency reported casualties after a car was targeted at dawn along the city’s seafront.

Artillery shelling also struck the towns of Hanniyeh and Mansouri, while strikes across the Tyre region resulted in deaths and injuries, according to initial reports.

The escalation comes despite the announcement of a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, which officials had suggested could help calm tensions across multiple fronts, including Lebanon. However, the office of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later confirmed in a statement that “the two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon." 

Amid the ongoing strikes, the Amal Movement’s electronic communication body urged displaced residents to remain in safe areas until an official ceasefire that includes Lebanon is declared.

Separately, Lebanon’s Disaster Risk Management Unit warned residents against heading to areas exposed to shelling and called for strict adherence to instructions issued by the army and security forces.