Israeli airstrikes resulted in the death of two individuals and the injury of three others in southern Lebanon on Monday, as reported by Lebanon’s state-run news agency.
The incident occurred following a rocket attack from Lebanon over the weekend that tragically claimed the lives of 12 children and teenagers in an Israel-controlled town in the Golan Heights. The airstrikes on Monday were not believed to be in direct response to the weekend attack, but rather part of ongoing conflict.
According to Lebanese state media, one of the airstrikes on Monday morning targeted a motorcycle near the Lebanon-Israel border, resulting in the deaths of two riders and the injury of a child.
Details about the victims were not immediately available.
Additionally, two individuals were injured in a separate strike in southern Lebanon on the same day, as reported by Lebanese state media.
Israeli military officials stated that the strikes targeted Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure, without providing further specifics.
Tensions have been escalating along the Israel-Hezbollah border since October 8. Israeli military officials described the weekend attack on Majdal Shams as the deadliest assault on civilians since October 7, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.
Here are the latest developments:
Officials from Egypt and Hamas Report Obstacles in Cease-fire Negotiations
CAIRO — Mediators working towards a cease-fire deal in Gaza are facing challenges, according to officials from Egypt and Hamas.
The negotiations are reportedly hindered by Israeli demands to maintain control over the Philadelphi corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border and along a highway dividing Gaza’s south and north.
Both officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Israel is reluctant to withdraw its forces from the corridor during the cease-fire. Israel has linked its troop withdrawal to the installation of underground sensors and a wall to monitor potential tunneling and weapons smuggling by Hamas. Israeli officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Israel alleges that Hamas uses tunnels under the corridor for smuggling weapons, a claim denied by Egypt, which previously destroyed many such tunnels. Israel seized control of the Philadelphi corridor and Rafah crossing in May during its incursion into Rafah, the southernmost Gaza city.
No agreement has been reached on the corridor or the reopening of Rafah, according to the Egyptian official. Direct negotiations between Egypt and Israel are ongoing to find a resolution.
Meanwhile, the Hamas official rejected Israel’s demands, including the presence of Israeli troops along the highway in northern Gaza. The group plans to submit a written response to mediators in the coming days.
Hamas is seeking written assurances that negotiations will continue during the initial phase of the cease-fire to establish a lasting truce.
CIA director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, and Egypt’s intelligence head Abbas Kamel met with Mossad chief David Barnea in Rome to discuss Israel’s demands.
—Samy Magdy
Israel Contemplates Response to Hezbollah Following Deadly Rocket Attack
TEL AVIV, Israel — The Middle East faces heightened tensions after a rocket from Lebanon struck a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers, marking the deadliest civilian attack since October 7.
The incident has raised concerns about a potential escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite denying responsibility, Hezbollah has been implicated in the attack.
The White House National Security Council is engaging with Israeli and Lebanese officials to seek a diplomatic resolution to the violence in the border region.
Following the attack, the Israeli military conducted strikes in Lebanon overnight, with Hezbollah also reportedly carrying out retaliatory strikes. No casualties were reported immediately.
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