Beirut: Israel carried out a series of air strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday after issuing evacuation warnings for around 20 locations, according to Lebanese state media. At least one person was killed in a strike on the town of Marrakeh in the Tyre district, officials reported.
The attacks come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier warned that further action would be taken if Hezbollah continued attacks on northern Israel.
Meanwhile, signs of diplomatic progress emerged as Shehbaz Sharif said negotiations between the United States and Iran were closer than ever to a peace agreement. Sharif, whose country is mediating the talks, indicated that a final deal could be concluded within the next 24 hours.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said an agreement was nearing completion and could include provisions related to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing US restrictions on Iran. However, discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme are expected to continue separately.
Despite the optimism surrounding diplomacy, fighting has persisted in the region. Analysts say the latest strikes highlight the fragile security situation and the challenges facing efforts to secure a broader and lasting peace agreement.
