Israeli strikes kill 10 in Lebanon hours after ceasefire takes effect

At least 10 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon on Saturday, hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement aimed at ending the escalating violence.

Citing Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA), a Reuters report said that Israeli warplanes and drones targeted several locations in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.

The attacks came less than a day after both sides agreed to halt hostilities under a ceasefire brokered amid broader regional diplomatic efforts.

Israel said that the strikes were carried out in response to projectile attacks launched overnight from southern Lebanon. An Israeli military official claimed that more than 50 projectiles were fired at Israeli forces and said the military had targeted Hezbollah positions in response.

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Israel and Hezbollah trade accusations

While Israel blamed Hezbollah for the projectile fire, the Iran-backed group did not claim responsibility for the attacks.

A senior Hezbollah official told Reuters that the group would not allow Israel what it described as "freedom of movement" in occupied Lebanese territory. The official added that resistance would remain legitimate as long as Israeli forces continued operating inside Lebanon.

The exchange of accusations has raised concerns that the ceasefire could quickly unravel despite international efforts to stabilise the situation.

The latest violence also threatens a broader US-Iran understanding announced this week, which calls for an end to military operations by regional actors and their allies across several conflict zones, including Lebanon.

Family among victims of deadly strikes

One of the deadliest attacks reportedly struck a three-storey residential building in the town of Barish in southern Lebanon's Tyre district.

According to the report, the strike killed four members of the same family, including a father, mother and their two children.

The Lebanese army also reported that one of its soldiers was killed in an Israeli strike on the Kfarrumman-Nabatieh road. Military officials accused Israel of undermining efforts to restore calm and stability following the ceasefire announcement.

Israel's military said its operations were aimed at eliminating security threats and dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure rather than targeting civilians.

Ceasefire faces early challenge

The ceasefire was agreed on Friday after a sharp escalation in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. However, the renewed violence within hours of the truce has cast doubt on its durability.

According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, nearly 4,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since early March, including civilians, medical workers, women and children. Israeli authorities say at least 32 soldiers and four civilians have died in the latest round of hostilities.