Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Mar 23: Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Lebanon on Saturday in retaliation for a rocket attack from across the border, escalating tensions despite a ceasefire agreement. The Israeli Defence Ministry confirmed the strikes targeted "dozens of Hezbollah positions" in the south and east of Lebanon.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported multiple casualties, including a young girl, as Israeli strikes hit the southern town of Touline. Later, another strike on Tyre killed at least three people, with reports suggesting a Hezbollah official was among the targets.

The Israeli military claimed six rockets were fired into northern Israel, with three intercepted. However, Hezbollah denied involvement, calling Israel's actions "pretexts for continued aggression." Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned that renewed hostilities could push the region into war, while Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi urged international intervention.

The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon expressed alarm over the rising violence, while France and Jordan called for restraint. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army reported dismantling three makeshift rocket batteries north of the Litani River, in compliance with the ceasefire terms.

Despite the agreement, Israel continues to hold strategic positions along the Blue Line, further complicating the fragile truce.