Israeli strikes in south Lebanon a ‘violation of international law’: PM

What the report says

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has accused Israel of carrying out attacks, demolitions and what he described as the systematic destruction of homes in southern Lebanon, calling the actions a serious breach of international law and humanitarian law. His comments, reported by Al Jazeera on Wednesday, came amid mounting tension over a ceasefire arrangement that has not stopped Israeli operations in the south.

Salam rejected Israel’s claim that destroyed villages were being used as military sites. He said that explanation could not justify the destruction of homes or the displacement of residents. His statement followed remarks by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who said Israeli forces were destroying underground infrastructure and homes in the area and would not withdraw from occupied zones in Lebanon, Syria or Gaza.

Al Jazeera reported that Israeli attacks wounded several people in southern Lebanon the same day. It also noted that on August 5 Israel struck the town of Mansouri after accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire, and that the Israeli military later ordered residents to evacuate the area. Separate strikes that week also hit other locations in the south.

More broadly, the article said a US-mediated ceasefire meant to halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has remained fragile, with Israeli forces continuing to operate in parts of southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials say the conflict has caused heavy casualties and mass displacement since March, while talks on implementing the truce and an eventual Israeli withdrawal have continued without a clear breakthrough.