Israeli military aircraft targeted Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites along the Syria-Lebanon border, in violation of the ceasefire agreement that recently halted months of conflict between the two sides. The strikes were aimed at locations used for smuggling weapons from Syria to Lebanon after the ceasefire came into effect. There has been no immediate response from Syrian authorities or activists monitoring the conflict.
Hezbollah has not commented on the Israeli airstrikes, which have occurred multiple times since the ceasefire began. The truce between Israel and Hezbollah does not cover the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where fighting continues. An Israeli strike on a car in Gaza resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including three employees of the food charity World Central Kitchen.
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a vehicle carrying a militant involved in a previous Hamas attack. The military is investigating reported ties to WCK, as the car was unmarked and had not coordinated aid delivery with the military, as other charities have done during the conflict.
Meanwhile, in Syria, insurgents breached Aleppo, the country's largest city, adding further uncertainty to the region already grappling with multiple wars. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and France, mandates a two-month ceasefire period during which militants are to withdraw north of Lebanon's Litani River, and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border.
Despite sporadic bursts of violence, the ceasefire generally appears to be holding. Both Israel and Lebanon have accused each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire since it began. Many displaced Lebanese individuals are returning home, despite warnings from the Israeli and Lebanese militaries to avoid certain areas.
Israel has emphasized its right to strike against perceived violations under the ceasefire agreement. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in October 2023, with Hezbollah's attacks in solidarity with Hamas. The subsequent low-level conflict escalated into a full-scale war, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' attack, has led to significant casualties, with thousands killed and many more displaced. The situation remains tense as all parties navigate the terms of the ceasefire and work towards a lasting peace.
For more updates on the ongoing conflict, visit AP's war coverage.
