Israeli strikes kill five in south Lebanon, journalist among dead
Tel Aviv, April 23
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed five people, including a journalist, further putting pressure on a fragile ceasefire, Lebanon's National News Agency reported, as cited by Al Jazeera.
According to the report, an initial Israeli attack targeted a vehicle in the village of at-Tiri in south Lebanon, killing two people who were inside.
Israel's military said it targeted two vehicles in southern Lebanon that had left a site used by the Hezbollah group.
Meanwhile, Lebanon's National News Agency reported, as cited by Al Jazeera, that a subsequent airstrike on a building in the same village injured a journalist who was trapped under the debris; she was later found dead, according to her employer, local outlet Al Akhbar.
Paul Morcos, Lebanon's Information Minister, condemned the Israeli attack on the journalists.
In a post on X, Morcos wrote, "We strongly condemn this assault, holding Israel fully responsible for their safety, and affirming the necessity of immediately ensuring their protection and guaranteeing freedom of media work."
Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that its troops and air force carried out a strike in Southern Lebanon after claiming the violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah involving two members crossing the "Forward Defence Line" and approaching the Israeli soldiers.
In a statement, the IDF said the incident took place in the Saluki area in southern Lebanon, where the IDF claimed to detect a potential threat.
"Yesterday (Tuesday), IDF soldiers identified in the area of the Saluki in southern Lebanon, two terrorists who violated the ceasefire understandings, crossed the Forward Defence Line and approached the soldiers, posing an immediate threat," said the IDF in an official statement.
The military said that it responded with an airstrike to neutralise the situation and added that operations in the area are ongoing, including efforts targeting Hezbollah-linked infrastructure.
"Following the identification, the Israeli Air Force struck and eliminated the terrorists in order to remove the threat. In addition, IDF soldiers continue to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure to remove threats and locate weapons," the IDF said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Very tragic news. India has always advocated for peace and dialogue. We know too well the cost of cross-border tensions. Hope the ceasefire holds and innocent lives are spared.
The report says IDF claimed Hezbollah violated the ceasefire first. It's a complex situation. While the loss of life is sad, we must also consider the security concerns that lead to such actions.
Reading this from Delhi. The cycle of violence is endless. When will leaders understand that military solutions are temporary? My thoughts are with the families of all victims.
As an Indian, I feel we need a balanced view. The article mentions the journalist's death in a subsequent strike, not necessarily a 'targeting'. The fog of war is real. Still, every life lost is a tragedy.
This puts immense pressure on the ceasefire. India has strategic ties with both regions. Our foreign policy must continue to advocate for de-escalation. Peace is the only way forward.
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