Summary
- AFP and Reuters reported that Israel resumed airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing five people.
- Iran said the attack violated the war-ending MOU clause calling for an "immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts."
- Israel’s renewed strikes could become an obstacle to additional talks between the U.S. and Iran, as well as follow-up negotiations on the war-ending agreement.
Israel bombed southern Lebanon again just hours after agreeing to a ceasefire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Five people were killed in the strikes, AFP and Reuters reported, citing Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.
On June 20, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on more than 10 sites in Nabatieh in southern Lebanon early in the day, using fighter jets and drones. Three people were killed in Arabsalim, one in Deir ez-Zahrani, and one in Dweir after a drone struck a motorcycle, bringing the death toll to five.
Israel has continued air attacks on Lebanon even after the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 to end the war. Article 1 of the MOU calls for an "immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts," including Lebanon.
Iran protested that the attack on Lebanon violated the war-ending agreement. Additional talks between the U.S. and Iran that were agreed under the MOU were subsequently delayed.
Under pressure from the U.S., Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on June 19 through mediation by the U.S. and Qatar. The truce took effect at 4 p.m. on June 19.
Israel's renewed strikes despite the ceasefire could become another obstacle to follow-up negotiations on the war-ending agreement.
Kim Jeong-woo, Hankyung.com reporter enyou@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.
