The fragile calm in southern Lebanon shattered on Wednesday as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 17 people, according to Lebanese officials. The strikes, which targeted what Israel described as Hezbollah military infrastructure, came just hours after a United Nations-brokered ceasefire was extended. The incident threatens to unravel the precarious peace that has held since the 2006 war.
Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions in the villages of Kfar Kila and Mays al-Jabal, sending plumes of smoke and panic through the border region. The Lebanese Red Cross confirmed the death toll, adding that over 50 others were wounded, many critically. UN peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were seen rushing to the scene, but could not prevent the casualties.
Israeli military spokespersons claimed the strikes were a response to rocket fire from Lebanese territory earlier in the day, which they attributed to Hezbollah. However, the militant group denied involvement, calling the accusation a pretext for escalation. Hezbollah’s media office issued a statement warning of retaliation, but analysts suggest both sides are wary of a full-scale conflict.
The UN-brokered arrangement, which includes the Lebanese government’s commitment to prevent armed activity south of the Litani River, has been teetering for months. Violations by Hezbollah and Israeli overflights have been routine, but Wednesday’s strikes mark the deadliest single incident since 2006. The Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session within hours.
For the people of southern Lebanon, the cycle of violence is heartbreakingly familiar. Many families had just returned to their homes after weeks of displacement. Now, they face the same despair. As one rescue worker put it: 'We rebuild our homes, but we never rebuild our trust.' The international community must act swiftly to de-escalate, lest this spark a fire that cannot be extinguished.
