12 Israeli soldiers were injured in a drone strike allegedly launched by the Lebanese group Hezbollah (recognised as terrorist in the US, its armed wing recognised as terrorist in the EU, operating legally in Lebanon). The strike was carried out in northern Israel.
The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire. During 30 April, Israel carried out several strikes inside Lebanon. Houses housing Hezbollah fighters were reportedly hit in southern Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, there are dead and wounded. Also on Thursday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) warned of the need to evacuate residents of 15 other settlements in southern Lebanon.
Fighting between Israel and the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah resumed in March after Israel and the US launched strikes against Iran. In April, Israel and Lebanese authorities reached a truce agreement. On 24 April, US President Donald Trump announced its extension for three weeks.
But Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange shelling despite the previously announced truce, and the intensity has increased in recent days. The IDF says the truce is not de facto in effect.
Israeli authorities say they want to establish a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon to prevent possible Hezbollah attacks. The Israeli military continues to remain in part of the territories in South Lebanon, from where hundreds of thousands of people have fled the war. Tens of thousands of residents of northern Israel have fled their homes because of the fighting, authorities say about 20 per cent of the north’s population has been internally displaced.