Kathmandu— Following a series of ceasefire agreements intended to de-escalate tensions, Israel has intensified attacks in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least eleven deaths on Saturday alone. The renewed violence comes as Lebanese leaders condemn the strikes – the most severe since June – and question the viability of ongoing negotiations with Israel. These agreements, mediated by the United States in April, June 4th, and June 26th, have failed to prevent Israeli military expansion into Lebanese territory and continued deadly attacks, raising concerns about a broader conflict.

Failed Ceasefire Framework

Lebanon and Israel initially agreed to two ceasefire agreements – on June 4th and June 26th – facilitated by the US administration. The initial June 4th agreement hinged on a “complete cessation” of fire from Hezbollah and its fighters’ evacuation, while the subsequent June 26th framework did not mandate Israeli withdrawal but linked it to Hezbollah's disarmament. However, both ceasefires have been repeatedly undermined, failing to halt Israel’s expansion into Lebanese territory or prevent ongoing attacks.

Recent Escalation of Violence

On Saturday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported at least eleven fatalities in Israeli strikes targeting the southern district of Nabatieh. The National News Agency (NNA) detailed that seven people were killed when a house in Ansar village was struck and destroyed, with four others dying in an attack on Deir al-Zahrani. Witnesses described areas previously considered safe now being targeted, leading to widespread demolition and the destruction of towns and villages, including graveyards and historic monuments. Attacks also impacted locations near UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle.

Conflicting Narratives and Accusations

The Israeli military justified the attacks as a response to alleged Hezbollah actions against its soldiers at Ali al-Taher Ridge. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office claimed that Hezbollah deliberately positioned civilians within a “military compound,” though these claims have frequently been disputed in the past. Israel also announced the deaths of two senior Hezbollah commanders, Abu Hassan Alaa and Ali Samir al-Haj Hassan, but Hezbollah has yet to comment on these assertions. Ziad Abu Rish, an associate professor at Bard College, believes Netanyahu is intentionally escalating strikes “to demonstrate an undeterred resolve” and “pummel” both Hezbollah and Lebanese civilians, with tacit US approval.

Stalled Negotiations and Regional Context

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized Israel’s continued attacks as violations of the ceasefire agreements and international law. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for an immediate halt to the escalation, while Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri labeled the strikes a “massacre” aimed at extermination in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah itself suggested that Israel's actions are driven by domestic political considerations ahead of upcoming elections. Randa Slim, from the Stimson Center, argues Lebanon has been cornered by a poorly negotiated deal and excluding Hezbollah from negotiations was a mistake.

Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel remain ongoing, with Israel insisting on Hezbollah’s disarmament before any withdrawal. The US maintains that the “pilot zone” program – involving Israeli forces withdrawing as Lebanese soldiers move in – is the only viable path to peace, but the recent escalation casts doubt on its prospects.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.