Rockets have been fired from Lebanon towards Israel this morning, sparking concerns the fragile ceasefire announced last November could soon end and resume hostilities in the area
Israel has announced it is to attack targets in Lebanon after a rocket was fired from the country for the first time since a ceasefire in November.
Israel’s army said missiles were targeted at the Israeli town of Metula, sparking concerns about whether the fragile ceasefire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah would continue to hold. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, said it was alarmed at the possible escalation of violence. It warned further escalation could have serious consequences for the region. Israel Defence Force said on X: “Following the rocket fire from Lebanon this morning, the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, conducted a situational assessment.
” The IDF will respond severely to the morning’s attack. The State of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement.”
The Lebanese Presidency’s official X page posted its president, Joseph Aoun, “condemned attempts to drag Lebanon back into a cycle of violence”. President Aoun said: “What happened today in the south, and what has continued there since February 18, constitutes a persistent assault on Lebanon and a blow to its rescue project, which the Lebanese have unanimously agreed upon. “
The statement added: “President Aoun called on all relevant forces in southern Lebanon, particularly the monitoring committee established by the November 2024 agreement and the army, to monitor developments with utmost seriousness to avoid any repercussions and curb any violations or negligence that could threaten the country in these critical circumstances.
“The President of the Republic asked the Army Commander to take the necessary field measures to preserve the safety of citizens and to investigate the circumstances of what happened.”
The strikes come a day after Israel said it would carry out operations in Gaza “with increasing intensity” until Hamas frees the 59 hostages it holds – 24 of whom are believed alive. Late last night night, Israeli strikes killed at least nine people, including three children, in a house in Gaza City, according to Al-Ahly Hospital, which received the bodies.
Israel’s military said Friday its forces were planning fresh assaults into three neighborhoods west of Gaza City and issued warnings on social media for Palestinians to evacuate the areas.