Kathmandu— An Israeli air strike killed seven people and wounded three others in southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA), as Israel intensified attacks across multiple towns and villages overnight. The strike hit a house on the outskirts of Ansar, in the Nabatieh district, destroying the building and prompting emergency response teams to work through rubble for survivors. This marks the deadliest reported Israeli attack in Lebanon since agreements reached in June led to a reduction in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Attacks targeted areas throughout southern Lebanon, including locations further inland than strikes seen in recent months.

Escalation of Hostilities

The NNA reported that Israeli attacks intensified early Saturday, beginning with a series of air strikes on the Ali al-Taher Ridge near Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Two additional strikes hit areas close to the teachers’ training centre and Husseini club in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while the valley between Ansar and Zarariyeh was also targeted – the first strike to reach that far into southern Lebanon since a ceasefire two months ago. Closer to the border, Israeli forces reportedly destroyed several homes in Bint Jbeil and opened heavy machinegun fire towards houses along the Kounine-Saf al-Hawa road.

Framework Agreement Under Strain

Violence has decreased somewhat following a United States-Iran memorandum of understanding in June and a subsequent US-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. However, Israeli attacks and demolitions have continued in southern Lebanon despite the agreements. The framework calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah Criticism

On Friday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem criticised the Lebanese authorities over the implementation of the framework agreement, accusing them of pressuring the army while Israeli attacks continued. “How can you accept this ongoing humiliation of the Lebanese army, exposing it to bombardment and Israeli pressures, instead of acting as its protectors?” he said.

The situation remains tense in southern Lebanon following Saturday’s strike, with no immediate indication of a de-escalation in hostilities or renewed negotiations.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.