Israeli airstrikes on Southern Lebanon injure 24, health ministry says

Israeli airstrikes in Nabatieh, a major town in southern Lebanon, injured 24 people on Tuesday, the Lebanese Health Ministry said.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it targeted Hezbollah vehicles transporting weapons on the outskirts of Nabatieh.

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of the cease-fire arrangement with Israel. Mikati spoke with U.S. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who chairs the committee monitoring the cease-fire, in a phone call Tuesday, his office said. The Lebanese leader urged firm pressure on Israel to ensure it complies with the agreement under international law.

Hezbollah and Israel agreed to a cease-fire in late November, ending cross-border fighting that erupted amid the 2023 Gaza war and left thousands dead.

The U.S. said Sunday that the agreement, which initially required Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, would remain in effect until Feb. 18—an extension from the original Jan. 26 deadline.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Monday that the group would not accept any justification for delaying the Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israeli forces killed at least 24 people and wounded at least 141 in southern Lebanon on Sunday and Monday, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The violence came as thousands of residents attempted to return home despite Israeli military orders.