Israel and Hezbollah continue strikes despite formal ceasefire agreement
Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued exchanging strikes despite signing a formal ceasefire, BBC Middle East reported. Lebanon's government said 47 civilians were killed in recent strikes; Israel said four of its soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah action. UNIFIL observers are compiling violation reports.
BBC Middle East reported that exchanges of strikes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued without break after the signing of the US-brokered ceasefire. Lebanon's Interior Ministry said at least 47 civilians had been killed in airstrikes over the past 48 hours. Villages south of Beirut have taken the heaviest damage.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that four of its soldiers had been killed in a cross-border Hezbollah action and said its counter-strikes were "proportionate." Hezbollah said it was protesting Israeli ceasefire violations and responding in kind. Lebanon's president called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said it is compiling violation reports from both sides and will deliver them to the Security Council within 48 hours. The US State Department called on the parties to comply fully with the ceasefire; EU High Representative Kallas said Brussels was ready to facilitate talks. A geopolitical premium has returned to oil markets.
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