Israeli strikes on cars in southern Lebanon kill 12, health ministry says
Lebanon's health ministry said 12 people were killed in Israeli strikes on cars in southern Lebanon. The strikes took place while a fragile ceasefire is still in force and have drawn international condemnation. The incident is the latest in a string of security flare-ups in the area.
Lebanon's health ministry said 12 people were killed and many wounded in Israeli air strikes carried out on the same day in the country's south. The strikes hit vehicles at several locations, according to the ministry.
The Israel Defence Forces issued statements saying those targeted were linked to Hezbollah. The Lebanese government condemned the incident and stressed that the ceasefire is being maintained under international supervision. United Nations representatives called for the cessation of hostilities to be preserved.
As the death toll rose, public pressure inside Lebanon increased, while financial markets showed only a limited reaction. The Lebanese lira held in a narrow range on the parallel market and government bonds traded at low volumes. Diplomatic sources said the United States and France had stepped up communication with the parties.
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