Israel Strikes Lebanon Despite Ceasefire, Killing Dozens Including Children
Primary region Middle East
Tags Security
Regions Middle East
Israeli strikes killed at least 22 people in southern Lebanon on May 13, including 8 children, and 13 more on May 12, continuing violations of the April 16 ceasefire. Lebanon's Health Ministry reports over 512 killed during the 'ceasefire' period, bringing the total death toll to 2,896 since March 2. Israel's air force says it has struck more than 1,100 sites in Lebanon since mid-April and issued forced displacement orders for multiple southern towns. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed Washington talks, saying the group would 'not abandon the battlefield.' Save the Children reports 4 children killed or injured daily on average during the ceasefire. A third round of Israel-Lebanon direct talks is expected in Washington on May 15.
Strategic interpretation
Israel's continued strikes signal that the April 16 ceasefire is effectively dead in practice, even if not formally abandoned. The high civilian toll, particularly children, increases international pressure on both Israel and the U.S. The May 15 Washington talks represent a last diplomatic window before a potential full-scale resumption of the Israel-Hezbollah war, which would further destabilize an already volatile region and compound the Iran conflict's global economic impact.