Tensions in the Middle East escalated further on Saturday as Israel launched fresh airstrikes across southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while Hezbollah revealed that Iran had assured the group it would continue backing its operations amid ongoing regional negotiations.
According to Hezbollah, the group’s leader, Naim Qassem, received a message from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Pakistani mediators involved in efforts to end the wider regional conflict. The message reportedly stressed the importance of including Lebanon in any broader ceasefire agreement and reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to supporting Hezbollah.
Lebanese authorities, however, maintained that negotiations between Lebanon and Israel — currently being held under United States mediation — must remain separate from ongoing Iran-US discussions.
The renewed violence comes despite an April 17 ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, which was later extended for several weeks. Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon, claiming it is targeting imminent threats linked to Hezbollah activities.
On Saturday, Hezbollah also carried out attacks on Israeli positions in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, including strikes targeting Israeli air defence systems near the border.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported multiple Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon after evacuation warnings were issued to residents in about 15 villages.
The Lebanese military confirmed that one strike hit an army barracks in Nabatieh, injuring a soldier.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 3,123 people. The ministry condemned an overnight strike near a hospital in the southern city of Tyre, calling it “further proof of the Israeli enemy’s violation of humanitarian law.”
An AFP correspondent at the scene reported severe damage at the Hiram Hospital, including shattered glass, destroyed ceiling panels, and damaged medical equipment.
Hospital CEO Dr. Salman Aydibi said approximately 40 patients were inside the facility when evacuation warnings were issued.
“We took the patients to a safer location within the hospital,” he explained, adding that while no patients were harmed, around 30 hospital staff sustained minor injuries.
Israel’s military said it had targeted “Hezbollah infrastructure sites in Tyre” and insisted precautionary measures were taken to minimise civilian casualties.
Residents described scenes of panic following the bombardment.
“I don’t know what happened, it felt like doomsday,” said Wisam Baroud, whose home was damaged in the strike.
Israel also carried out overnight attacks on Hezbollah-linked positions in eastern Lebanon. Separately, the Islamist group Jamaa Islamiya confirmed that one of its members was killed in a strike in the region.
Under the terms of the US-backed ceasefire agreement, Israel reserves the right to respond to “planned, imminent or ongoing attacks.” Israeli troops also continue operations within a self-declared “yellow line” extending roughly 10 kilometres into southern Lebanon.
The latest escalation comes as security talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to take place at the Pentagon on May 29, with a fourth round of negotiations expected in June. Hezbollah has strongly opposed the direct talks.
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