Israeli strike kills at least three people in northern Lebanon

At least three people have been killed and 13 others have been injured in an Israeli-related vehicle attack near Tripoli, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, in the most recent violation of a ceasefire between the two nations.

Israel’s continued attacks on the Ayrounieh region on Tuesday as Hezbollah’s position, the Lebanese army’s inability to fight back, and the international community’s failure to impose pressure on Israel to respect the truce.

More than 180 kilometers (110 miles) from the Israeli border, the attack near Lebanon’s most significant city highlights Israel’s willingness to launch assaults all over the nation, not just in the south.

Without naming the target, the Israeli military claimed to have struck a “key” figure from Hamas in Gaza.

No senior Hamas official was killed in the strike, according to a Hamas source in Lebanon, according to Al Araby TV. Initial reports suggested the assassination attempt might have failed, according to Lebanon’s Annahar newspaper.

Hamas and other Palestinian organizations have bases in a number of areas of Lebanon, most notably in Palestinian refugee camps, where they have for decades. The large Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp is located in Tripoli.

Israel has launched attacks on Hezbollah and other members of Palestinian factions in Lebanon since the war broke out in Gaza in October 2023.

Early in the year 2024, Israeli air strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs claimed the lives of Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas’ deputy chief.

Israel continued to bomb what it claims are Hezbollah arms depots and fighters even though the conflict was ended by the ceasefire last year. Homes, municipal employees, and civilian infrastructure have all been targeted in Israeli attacks.

In the southern Lebanonean town of Deir Kifa, a suspected Israeli air attack on a van on Monday left at least one fatality.

As American envoy Thomas Barrack traveled to Lebanon for a two-day visit to discuss disarming Hezbollah, the recent attacks were launched.

After meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday, Barrack declared his “unbelievably satisfied” with Lebanon’s response to US demand to remove Hezbollah’s weapons.

Barrack, a long-time adviser to US President Donald Trump and a special envoy to Syria and the US ambassador to Turkiye, said he was unsure that Israel would go to war with Lebanon.

He claimed that “Both countries are trying to convey the idea of a stand-down agreement, of the cessation of hostilities, and of a path to peace.”