Eleven people lost their lives when Israeli forces bombed the outskirts of Ansar in southern Lebanon on Saturday. The attack, part of a rapid response to a Hezbollah attack, killed three children and two women, according to Lebanese state media.
Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) said they struck a Hezbollah battalion commander in the Radwan Force unit, claiming the target was a lawful one. They also added the commander's family, allegedly used as human shields, was harmed.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strike, calling the victims civilians and demanding an end to the escalation. “Israel must halt this escalation,” he said. “The security of Lebanese life is non-negotiable.”
The bombings come after a ceasefire framework announced in June that called for Hezbollah disarmament and gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Yet clashes continue, with the IDF maintaining a 10km‑deep security zone and new strikes reported in Deir al-Zahrani, killing four and wounding five.
The incident has drawn international attention, highlighting the fragile political balance and the stakes of using civilian areas as strategic points. Negotiators hope to resume talks in September, but a final date for the ceasefire remains undecided.
