Israel has stepped up its “brutal bombardment” of southern Lebanon. Despite a United States-brokered ceasefire, Lebanese officials have reported that nearly ninety people have been killed in strikes since Friday.
Thirty-nine people were killed on Saturday alone, after Israel struck 22 towns and villages in southern Lebanon.
This is not the first time that it has been clear that the ceasefire may as well not even be in effect. Neither side appears to be following it.
Israel Continues Strikes On Lebanon, Despite Ceasefire
Accoridng to RT correspondent Steve Sweeney, local authorities said 39 people were killed on Saturday alone after strikes hit 22 towns and villages in southern Lebanon. On Monday, Israel issued evacuation orders for several more villages, bringing the total to 84 since a US-brokered ceasefire took effect in mid-April.
Sweeney added that ambulance workers in both Ali Rida al-Basuli and Sharif Ahmad Krika were killed in separate strikes on their vehicles on Sunday.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told Al-Arabiya on Sunday that 86 villages in southern Lebanon remain under Israeli occupation, adding that the border city of Bint Jbeil had become “a copy of Gaza.” –RT
Since the ceasefire went into effect, both Israel and Lebanon have accused each other of violating it. Israel claims it continues to target the terrorist organization Hezbollah, while that group says it’s defending itself against attacks.
Israel has already said that it will occupy southern Lebanon until the threat posed by Hezbollah is removed.
Israel Will Occupy Southern Lebanon Until Hezbollah Threat Is Removed
More than 2,800 people, including over 100 health workers, have been killed since March 2, when Israel launched its latest military operation against Hezbollah, according to Lebanese authorities. –RT
Additional peace talks are expected later this week. The U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Washington.
Peace Talks Stall As Israel Ratifies Ceasefire Agreement