Israel-Hezbollah Clashes Intensify as Lebanon Airstrikes Kill at Least 4 Ahead of Truce Deadline

Rescue workers clear rubble and search for survivors in the southern Lebanese coastal city of Tyre after an Israeli airstrike. [Photo=AFP/Yonhap]

Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group in Lebanon, have stepped up clashes again. Tensions rose after Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least four people, days before a U.S.-brokered truce is set to expire.

On April 22 (local time), Israel struck Tyre and Yohmor in southern Lebanon, killing at least four people, Reuters reported. The attacks came just days before planned truce talks in Washington.

Hezbollah responded with a drone attack targeting Israeli forces, accusing Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement.

The truce is a 10-day, time-limited deal brokered by the United States and is due to end Sunday. Lebanon’s government says it wants to discuss extending the truce, an Israeli withdrawal, the return of detainees and border demarcation. However, Hezbollah opposes direct talks with Israel, Reuters reported, highlighting divisions inside Lebanon.

Also on April 22, Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil was killed in an Israeli airstrike while reporting in southern Lebanon, and another journalist was wounded. Reuters said it was the deadliest day since the truce was announced. The Israeli military said it struck a Hezbollah-linked vehicle that entered a restricted area and denied deliberately targeting journalists.

* This article has been translated by AI.

AJP