In Kfar Rumman, Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes on Monday resulted in at least 12 deaths and multiple injuries, including children, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
The strikes mark a continuation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, despite a truce agreed upon over two months ago. These recent strikes followed Israel’s military announcement of its operational control over Ali Taher hill, a strategic location overlooking several key villages and roads to Nabatiyeh.
One airstrike on a building led to the death of 11 people. Among the casualties were two children, four women, and a paramedic. Eight people were injured, including three children and a paramedic. Another strike on a car killed a paramedic from the Lebanese Islamic Risala Scout Association and wounded two others.
Mustafa Farhat, an 8-year-old, injured from an airstrike that claimed his parents’ lives, was consoled by his grandmother in a Nabatiyeh hospital. Photo by Mohammed Zaatari/AP
The Israeli military stated the strikes were a response to two drone attacks by Hezbollah targeting Israeli forces. They claimed the strikes targeted a Hezbollah militant transporting weapons to Kfar Rumman. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for the attacks and has yet to issue a statement regarding the heightened tension in Nabatiyeh province.
Local accounts from Kfar Rumman residents describe a continuous state of anxiety. Fouad Chakaron commented on the recent assault, noting its impact on the town’s core. Saleh Medlej, another resident, expressed determination to remain in his hometown despite the ongoing airstrikes and emphasized the civilian presence in the affected building.
Earlier on Monday, the Israeli military advised evacuation in Deir al-Zahrani as they proceeded with an airstrike following another drone attack by Hezbollah. Casualty details remain unreported.
On the same day, Israeli forces encountered gunfire from a Hezbollah member, resulting in minor injuries to two soldiers near Beaufort castle. The aggressor was neutralized following the incident.
The situation in Southern Lebanon has been tense following Israel’s release of Lebanese prisoners in exchange for Lebanon’s efforts to locate missing Jewish Lebanese citizens from the civil war era. The truce, mediated by the U.S., has faced repeated violations.
Under the terms of a framework deal between the two nations, Israeli forces were to withdraw upon Hezbollah’s disarmament. However, progress has stalled significantly, with Hezbollah refusing to disarm north of the Litani River and Israel holding firm on withdrawal conditions.
Abdullah Farhat, Kfar Rumman’s mayor, condemned the recent events as a massacre and criticized the framework agreement, highlighting the ongoing hostilities despite diplomatic efforts. The Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue based in Beirut contributed additional information.
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