Israeli drone strike on car in Aitaroun kills one

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in the southern town of Aitaroun on Tuesday, resulting in one fatality and injuring three others, including a child. Despite an existing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, this incident is the latest in a series of ongoing hostilities.

According to Israel’s military, the individual killed was a platoon commander in Hezbollah’s Special Operations unit. This strike underscores the continued military activity in the region, even after the formal ceasefire that took effect on November 27.

The United Nations Human Rights Office stated that Israeli forces have killed at least 71 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire began. The agreement, which was based on a UN Security Council resolution, mandates that only the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers be present in southern Lebanon. It also calls for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups.

As part of the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah was expected to pull its fighters back north of the Litani River and dismantle its military infrastructure in the area. In return, Israel was to withdraw all its troops from southern Lebanon. However, Israeli forces continue to hold five positions along the border, citing strategic necessity.

The Lebanese Army has been gradually deploying along the border, stepping into areas vacated by Israeli troops and dismantling Hezbollah installations in compliance with the ceasefire agreement.