Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill Three as Tensions Rise Near Syrian Border

Lebanon said three people were killed on Thursday in new Israeli strikes. The attacks hit one area near the Syrian border and another in the country’s south. Israel said it targeted a Quds Force member and a Hezbollah operative. The strikes came despite a ceasefire that began in late 2024. The main keyword is Israeli strikes.

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese village of Majdel Zoun, on April 15, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by AFP)

Lebanese officials said the deaths marked a new surge in violence along the border. They warned that more attacks could follow if tensions keep rising. According to AFP and other major agencies, Israeli forces have carried out repeated operations in Lebanon since the ceasefire.

Israeli Strikes Target Quds Force Member, Lebanon Confirms Three Dead

Lebanon’s health ministry said two people died when a vehicle was hit in Hawsh al‑Sayyed Ali. This town sits in the Hermel district close to the Syrian border. Hours later, a third person died in another strike in Majdal Selm in the south.

Israel said it killed Hussein Mahmud Marshad al‑Jawhari. It called him a key member of the Quds Force’s operational unit. According to reports cited by Reuters, Israel claimed he helped direct actions against Israel from Lebanon and Syria.

Israel also said it killed a Hezbollah member in a separate strike near Majdal Selm. Hezbollah has not confirmed the claim. Cross‑border fire has continued for months despite the ceasefire announced in November 2024.

Lebanon says more than 340 people have died in Israeli attacks since the truce. This figure comes from AFP counts based on health ministry numbers. Lebanese forces also reported that a man wounded in a strike last week near Beirut died from his injuries.

Rising Pressure on Lebanon as Disarmament Plan Faces Doubts

Lebanon has said it is under strong US pressure to stop further escalation. It has agreed to disarm Hezbollah fighters in the south. The Lebanese army says it aims to finish the first phase of the plan by the end of the year.

The area covered runs south of the Litani River. This region is roughly 30 kilometres from the Israeli border. Israel doubts the plan will work and says Hezbollah is rearming.

Lebanon’s army denied claims that one of its soldiers killed this week was a Hezbollah member. The army chief said the force would continue its mission despite the attacks. But analysts noted the strikes make the work harder and increase political strain.

The situation remains tense as Israeli strikes continue. Lebanon warns that the attacks risk a wider clash if they do not stop. The issue of Israeli strikes will likely shape border security in the coming months.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What did the latest Israeli strikes target?

The strikes hit a vehicle in Hawsh al‑Sayyed Ali and another area in Majdal Selm. Israel said it targeted a Quds Force member and a Hezbollah operative. Lebanon confirmed three deaths.

Q2: Who was the Quds Force member Israel said it killed?

Israel said it killed Hussein Mahmud Marshad al‑Jawhari. It accused him of helping direct operations from Lebanon and Syria. Lebanese officials have not commented on the claim.

Q3: How many people have died in Lebanon since the ceasefire?

AFP reports more than 340 people have been killed by Israeli fire. The count is based on data from Lebanon’s health ministry. The toll continues to rise.

Q4: What is Lebanon’s plan for disarmament?

Lebanon aims to disarm Hezbollah in the south. The army says phase one will finish by year‑end. Israel doubts the plan will succeed.

Q5: Why are Israeli strikes continuing despite the ceasefire?

Israel says threats from Hezbollah and Iranian‑backed groups persist. It continues to carry out what it calls preventive strikes. Lebanon says the actions violate the truce.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP, AFP