The Arab League has issued a strong condemnation of ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. These attacks have resulted in at least 11 civilian deaths and left 19 others, including women and children, injured. The organization warned that the current escalation threatens to undermine international efforts aimed at resolving the conflict and ending the occupation, noting that the strikes occurred despite a ceasefire agreement reached on April 17.
A spokesperson for the Arab League secretary-general stated that the targeting of civilians in Nabatieh and surrounding areas constitutes a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty. The statement further argued that such Israeli policies are designed to prolong confrontations and obstruct negotiations, ultimately attempting to impose an unacceptable new reality on the ground. The organization has called for urgent international intervention, particularly from the United States, to halt the Israeli military operations and ensure compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The intensification of hostilities began on Saturday, with Israeli warplanes striking a residential house in Ansar and a two-storey building in Deir al-Zahrani, located in the Nabatieh district. Additionally, the Israeli army utilized phosphorus munitions to shell the Ali al-Taher hill area and launched two air strikes in proximity to the Teachers' Training Institute and the Husseini Club in Nabatieh al-Fawqa. The Israeli military claimed these actions were a response to activities by Hezbollah in the Ali al-Taher hills, a region Israel refers to as its security zone.
In response, Hezbollah suggested that the escalation is a strategic move by Benjamin Netanyahu to boost his domestic political position. This surge in violence persists despite a framework agreement signed on June 26, which was intended to facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory during the latest offensive. The Arab League concluded its statement by reiterating its full support for the Lebanese state in its efforts to preserve national security, stability, and civil peace.
