Israeli Strikes Kill 12 in Southern Lebanon

At least 12 people have died. Seven separate Israeli air strikes hit cars in southern Lebanon. This information comes from Lebanon's health ministry. The conflict between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah continues. A ceasefire has been announced. Eight people died in three targeted vehicles. These were on the coastal highway. Areas affected include Barja, Jiyeh, and Saadiyat. This is about 20 kilometers from Beirut. Two children were among the eight dead. Other lives were lost in four other car strikes. These occurred further south. Cities and towns like Sidon, Maaliyeh, Chaaitiyeh, and Naqoura were hit. The Israeli military has not yet commented on these specific attacks. However, they stated forces targeted Hezbollah infrastructure. Hezbollah fighters also used drones. These exploded near Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. No casualties were reported by Israel for this action. On Tuesday, two paramedics were killed. They belonged to the Civil Defence emergency service. They were among 13 people who died in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported this. It states over 400 people have died in Lebanon. This is since a ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump. This announcement was almost a month ago. Israel increased its air and artillery strikes recently. Southern Lebanon has seen many attacks. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Hezbollah has launched drones and rockets. These attacks targeted Israeli troops. They also hit communities in northern Israel. Israeli and Lebanese officials are scheduled to meet. This is for a third round of talks in Washington. They aim to stop the fighting. These meetings are expected on Thursday. Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, dismissed these efforts. He stated his group will not leave the battlefield. The conflict began on March 2. This was two days after a US and Israel attack on Iran. Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel. Israel responded with air strikes and an invasion of southern Lebanon. At least 2,896 people have died in Lebanon. This is the count from the health ministry. Their figures do not separate fighters and civilians. Israeli authorities report 18 soldiers died. They also say 4 civilians were killed. This is over the same period.