At least three people have lost their lives in a deadly Israeli air strike near the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). This attack marks the latest in a series of Israeli violations of the 2024 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, escalating tensions in the region once again.

Details of the Sidon Attack

The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed on Monday that three civilians were killed when an Israeli air strike targeted a vehicle on Quneitra Road in Sidon’s southern district. The attack comes just one day after another Israeli strike in southern Lebanon claimed one life and injured two others. According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted Hezbollah operatives, though specific details about the individuals involved were not released.

These repeated air strikes underline the persistent instability in southern Lebanon, where Israeli-Hezbollah conflicts continue despite international efforts to maintain peace.

Israel’s Violations of the 2024 Ceasefire

Since the signing of the ceasefire in November 2024, Israel has carried out near-daily attacks across southern Lebanon. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that Israeli forces conducted almost 1,600 strikes between January and late November 2025 alone.

The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the continued violence. In late 2025, UN reports indicated that at least 127 civilians have died in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire’s implementation. The UN Human Rights Office called for a “prompt and impartial investigation” into these incidents.

The Role of Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

The 2024 ceasefire includes specific provisions regarding Hezbollah disarmament south of the Litani River, with the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers designated as the only authorized forces in this zone under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Hezbollah has resisted full disarmament, arguing that its weapons are essential for defending Lebanon against Israeli incursions. Leader Naim Qassem has stated that while Hezbollah will comply with ceasefire obligations south of the Litani River, it will maintain its military presence elsewhere in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Israel has not fully withdrawn its troops from southern Lebanon, maintaining military posts at five locations inside Lebanese territory. This continued presence has prompted Hezbollah to partially suspend its commitments under the ceasefire.

Diplomatic Efforts and Ongoing Negotiations

Despite the violence, diplomatic efforts continue. Civilian and military delegations from Israel and Lebanon recently held closed-door talks in Naqoura, aiming to monitor and enforce the ceasefire. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized that allowing displaced civilians to return home is a crucial step in implementing the agreement.

In addition, international efforts are underway to strengthen Lebanon’s internal security. A diplomatic agreement reached in Paris between the US, France, and Saudi Arabia seeks to organize a 2026 international conference to support the Lebanese army and security forces.

Conclusion: Escalating Tensions in Southern Lebanon

The recent air strike near Sidon highlights the fragile security situation in southern Lebanon, where ongoing Israeli-Hezbollah clashes threaten civilian lives. With repeated ceasefire violations, partial military withdrawals, and stalled disarmament, the region remains on edge. International mediation and enforcement of the 2024 ceasefire agreement are more critical than ever to prevent further escalation and protect civilians in conflict zones.