Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon despite US-brokered framework deal

Israeli warplanes and artillery struck several towns in southern Lebanon on Sunday, in the latest attacks despite a US-brokered framework arrangement signed in June, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Warplanes bombed Kfar Tebnit in the Nabatieh district and struck Mansouri in the Tyre district. Artillery fire hit Majdal Zoun, the agency said.

Overnight, Israeli artillery carried out heavy, concentrated shelling in the area between Mayfadoun and Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.

The attacks came amid Israel’s ongoing offensive in Lebanon, which began on March 2. The latest figures released by Lebanon’s Health Ministry put the death toll at 4,386, with 12,413 people wounded.

Beirut and Tel Aviv signed the US-brokered framework arrangement in Washington on June 26. It provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the deployment of the Lebanese army in areas vacated by Israeli forces.

Israel continues to carry out attacks despite the arrangement and maintains its occupation of parts of Lebanon, including areas it has held for decades and others seized during more recent wars and military operations.