Israel Strikes Lebanon Amid Ceasefire

Despite a 45-day extension of a ceasefire, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah. These strikes, which included areas more than 50 kilometers from the border and a medical center in Harouf, have caused significant destruction, civilian casualties, and a new exodus of residents towards Sidon and Beirut. Lebanese authorities report over 2,900 deaths in Lebanon since the war began on March 2, with more than 400 since the truce took effect. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, opposes negotiations and continues to claim attacks against Israel, citing Israeli ceasefire violations. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire extension and urged respect for the cessation of hostilities. Displaced residents and Hezbollah express skepticism about the truce's effectiveness, while Lebanon's negotiating delegation in Washington welcomed the extension and a US-facilitated security track for stability.