Southern Lebanon witnessed deadly violence on Monday as Israeli air strikes killed two people and wounded seven others in the latest escalation of cross-border hostilities. The attacks, which targeted towns in the Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil districts, came just a day after Israel warned it would ramp up its offensive against alleged Hezbollah positions.

Civilian Casualties in Doueir and Aita al-Shaab

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, one person was killed and seven were injured in the town of Doueir, located in the Nabatieh province. Three Israeli missiles hit a vehicle there, causing an explosion that destroyed nearby businesses and set multiple cars ablaze. Emergency workers and firefighters rushed to the scene to control the flames and clear debris from damaged storefronts.

Another person was reported killed in Aita al-Shaab, a town near the southern border in the Bint Jbeil district, also targeted by Israeli forces.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) confirmed that the Doueir strike caused extensive damage to nearby commercial areas, spreading fear and destruction among local residents.

Israel Says It Targeted Senior Hezbollah Operatives

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating that they killed Mohammed Ali Hadid, whom they described as a senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. The army alleged he was involved in attempts to rebuild Hezbollah’s operational infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

In Aita al-Shaab, Israeli forces also claimed to have killed another Hezbollah operative reportedly gathering intelligence on Israeli troops stationed along the frontier.

Ceasefire Under Strain as Israel and Hezbollah Trade Blows

The attacks come in violation of a fragile ceasefire brokered in November 2024 intended to halt a year-long cycle of cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Over the past several days, Israeli officials—including Defence Minister Israel Katz—have issued warnings that Hezbollah is “playing with fire.” Katz accused Lebanon’s leadership of failing to curb the armed group’s activities and hinted at further escalation.

On Saturday, Israeli attacks in nearby Nabatieh killed four more people, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

Lebanon Calls Out Israeli ‘Aggression’ Amid Diplomatic Pressure

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of responding to diplomatic efforts with force. Amid ongoing tensions, Hezbollah has come under international pressure to disarm, and the United States has publicly pushed Lebanon to engage in talks with Israel to prevent further violence.

US envoy Tom Barrack said Washington is actively “encouraging negotiations” as fears grow of a broader regional conflict.

As the ceasefire falters, concerns are rising among locals, diplomats, and observers that renewed conflict could engulf the region if both sides do not commit to de-escalation.