Israel has carried out fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon, raising new concerns about the fragile ceasefire linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, even as questions persist over whether Lebanon is covered by the truce.
The renewed offensive came on Wednesday, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintaining that the ceasefire agreement with Iran does not extend to Lebanon.
His position contrasts with remarks from international mediators who suggested the truce should apply across the region.
According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, multiple strikes were recorded across southern parts of the country, including the Tyre region, where residents had earlier been warned to evacuate.
Israeli authorities also issued evacuation orders covering areas more than 40 kilometres داخل Lebanese territory, signalling a continuation of military operations.
The escalation follows weeks of cross-border hostilities involving Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group that entered the conflict after launching attacks on Israel in early March.
However, Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for any new operations since early Tuesday, raising uncertainty about the current phase of the conflict.
Efforts to clarify the scope of the ceasefire have yielded conflicting interpretations.
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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has played a mediating role, stated that the agreement should apply “everywhere, including Lebanon.”
Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that the ceasefire would be fully extended to Lebanese territory.
However, Lebanese officials say they have not received formal confirmation that their country is included in the truce, leaving civilians caught in uncertainty.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise. Lebanese authorities report that more than 1,500 people have been killed in recent weeks, while over one million residents have been displaced, particularly from southern and eastern regions as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs.
On the ground, displacement remains widespread. Some residents were seen cautiously attempting to return home, while others chose to stay away amid ongoing airstrikes.
The Lebanese military has warned civilians against returning to affected areas, citing the risk of continued attacks.
“We are waiting for clarity before going back,” said one displaced resident sheltering near Beirut, reflecting a broader sense of fear and uncertainty among affected communities.
The situation underscores the fragile nature of the current ceasefire and the broader regional tensions, as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.