Israeli Strike Kills One in South Lebanon Despite Ceasefire

An Israeli strike on a home in the southern Lebanese village of Wata al-Khiam killed one person, reportedly a Hezbollah fighter, according to Lebanon's health ministry and Israeli military statements. This attack marks the latest violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement intended to end over a year of conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The ceasefire required Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River and for Israel to pull back its troops, yet Israel continues to maintain a presence at five strategic border points. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed openness to peaceful relations with Israel but ruled out normalization of ties at this time, emphasizing Lebanon’s commitment to controlling arms within its territory. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with Israel conducting repeated strikes and Hezbollah previously launching near-daily rocket attacks following the October 2023 Gaza conflict. The Lebanese government is actively working to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure in the south, underscoring ongoing instability in the region.