2 Lebanese Civilians Killed in Israeli Drone Strikes Despite Ongoing Ceasefire

Two Lebanese civilians were killed on Thursday in separate Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon, marking the latest breach of a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that one person died from injuries sustained when an Israeli drone targeted his bulldozer in the Bint Jbeil district of Nabatieh province. A second civilian was reportedly killed in a separate strike on his motorbike in the same region, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA).

The NNA also reported intensified drone activity over Nabatieh and nearby towns including Zahrani, Ghazieh, Maghdouche, and Sidon.

The Israeli military acknowledged responsibility for the attacks, claiming the strikes targeted two Hezbollah operatives.

A tenuous ceasefire has been in effect since November 2024, following a violent escalation in September that saw months of cross-border fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. The truce was expected to bring calm to the region, but Lebanese authorities say Israel has violated the agreement nearly 3,000 times.

So far, these breaches have resulted in the deaths of at least 217 people and injuries to more than 500, according to official reports.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel was required to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, 2025. However, after failing to meet the deadline, the withdrawal was postponed to February 18. Despite this extension, Israel still maintains a presence at five border outposts, further straining the agreement.