Israel intensifies attacks in Lebanon despite ceasefire

Israeli forces escalated operations across southern Lebanon at dawn Tuesday, carrying out widespread demolitions, stepping up aerial surveillance, and issuing evacuation warnings despite the ongoing ceasefire, reported Xinhua, quoting the National News Agency.

Extensive destruction occurred in several border villages and towns, including Bayt Lif, Chamaa, Al Bayada, and Naqoura, where Israeli forces allegedly planted explosives in residential neighborhoods and homes before leveling them, the report said.

Israeli forces also reportedly raided Bint Jbeil, Khiam and Haret Saida with demolitions and blasts.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it launched rockets and attack drones at an Israeli artillery position in the settlement of Kfar Giladi on Tuesday evening, marking an escalation despite an ongoing ceasefire.

The group said in a statement that the attack targeted the source of recent Israeli artillery fire toward the Lebanese town of Yahmar al-Shaqif, describing the strike as a response to what it called repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire since it took effect, including attacks on civilians and destruction of homes in southern Lebanon.

A U.S.-backed 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force at midnight between Thursday and Friday, following weeks of intensified cross-border fighting, although the truce has remained fragile.

Macron urges Israel to abandon ´territorial ambitions´ in Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Israel must "renounce its territorial ambitions" in Lebanon, calling for a political settlement to ensure regional stability.

Speaking at a press conference after meeting with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Macron urged a "political agreement" between Israel and Lebanon to guarantee security for both countries, safeguard Lebanon's territorial integrity, and pave the way for normalized relations.

Macron also warned that the European Union (EU) could reconsider its ties with Israel if its policies remain unchanged. He said suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement - which has governed trade relations since 2000 - would become a "legitimate question" under such circumstances.

Addressing broader regional tensions, Macron called for extending negotiations between the United States and Iran as their ceasefire approaches expiration, stressing that "war must not be allowed to resume."

For his part, Salam reiterated Lebanon's demand for the "complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces from its territory, along with the return of Lebanese prisoners and displaced persons.