Lebanon counts 8 more Israeli violations of cease-fire

ISTANBUL

The Israeli army committed eight additional violations of a cease-fire with Lebanon on Friday, bringing the total breaches since last month to 319, according to an Anadolu tally.

Israeli artillery shelled twice the town of Aita al-Shaab in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese state news agency NNA said, without providing details about injuries.

Israeli forces also blew up several homes in the towns of Yaroun and Naqoura, while warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting three sites in the forests of Qousaya in eastern Lebanon. Israeli fighter jets also flew at low altitude in the eastern Zahla district.

At least 32 people have been killed and 38 others injured in Israeli attacks since the cease-fire took effect Nov. 27, according to an Anadolu tally based on Lebanese Health Ministry figures.

Under the terms of the cease-fire, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line -- a de facto border -- in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel’s onslaught on Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,063 people have been killed, including women, children and health workers, while 16,663 others have been injured.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar