DIBBINE, June 5: Israel launched a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Friday after issuing evacuation warnings for nine villages, including Anqoun, a town that had largely avoided major destruction and had been sheltering thousands of displaced residents.
According to Lebanon’s state news agency, at least six people were killed in the attacks.
The evacuation orders prompted hundreds of families to flee Anqoun and nearby communities, including Aarnaya and Maghdoucheh, located near the southern port city of Sidon.
The strikes came a day after Hezbollah rejected a new ceasefire proposal negotiated between Israel and the Lebanese government.
Hezbollah said it would only accept a ceasefire if Israel completely withdrew its forces from Lebanese territory. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key Hezbollah ally and mediator, backed the group’s position. He stated that Hezbollah would withdraw from areas south of the Litani River only if Israeli forces simultaneously pulled out of southern Lebanon.
The Litani River, located about 30 kilometres north of Israel’s border, is a UN-designated buffer zone established after the 2006 war, where Hezbollah is prohibited from operating militarily.
However, Israeli forces have advanced beyond the river during the current conflict.
Berri also criticised elements of the proposed ceasefire agreement, including provisions for “pilot zones” and measures requiring Hezbollah to withdraw before Israeli troops leave.
He argued that any truce should be comprehensive and unconditional, covering land, sea and air operations.
The conflict has intensified since March, with Israeli troops occupying large areas of southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, UN peacekeepers and Lebanese army forces entered the village of Dibbine after Israeli troops withdrew following fierce clashes with Hezbollah fighters.
The withdrawal marked the first time Israeli forces vacated territory captured during the latest phase of fighting.
However, extensive destruction was visible in Dibbine, with many homes damaged or destroyed. More than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict began, while at least 29 Israeli soldiers and three civilians have also died.
The continuing violence has complicated diplomatic efforts and heightened concerns about broader instability across the Middle East. (AP)
