The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is showing severe cracks after an Israeli airstrike killed two people in the southern village of Touline on Friday, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.
The strike came just 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension to the ceasefire agreement at the White House, raising serious questions about whether the deal can hold.
The Israeli military has also issued emergency evacuation orders for residents of Deir Aames, a town north of Israel's self-declared security zone, claiming Hezbollah is conducting operations there. The military warning provided no specific evidence or timeline for the alleged activities.
Escalating Tensions Despite Diplomatic Efforts
The situation deteriorated further when Iran-backed Hezbollah claimed it shot down an Israeli Hermes 450 drone, with the militant group dismissing the U.S.-mediated ceasefire as "meaningless." Israeli drones were heard circling above Beirut throughout Friday, adding to civilian concerns.
The Israeli military confirmed it intercepted another drone before it could cross into Israeli territory, triggering air raid sirens across the region.
International Pressure Mounting
Indonesia has condemned what it calls the latest Israeli attack, announcing that a fourth Indonesian peacekeeper has died from injuries sustained during an artillery explosion on March 29. The Foreign Affairs Ministry is demanding the United Nations conduct a "thorough, transparent and accountable" investigation into the deaths of its UNIFIL peacekeepers.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire extension but emphasized that all parties must "fully respect the cessation of hostilities, cease any further attacks & comply with their obligations under international law."
Despite diplomatic statements, the rapid resumption of military operations suggests deep mistrust between the parties and raises concerns that the latest ceasefire extension may be unravelling before it truly takes hold.
This article is based on reporting from CBC World.