Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has strongly condemned recent Israeli strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, warning that such actions undermine ongoing efforts to prevent further escalation in the region. The strikes, which targeted areas associated with Hezbollah and Hamas, resulted in casualties and significant damage, including a building destroyed near Sidon. Israel claims the attacks are in response to continued violations of ceasefire understandings by Hezbollah and asserts that the targeted sites are used for military purposes within civilian areas.

The escalation comes amid mounting international pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah under a year-old truce agreement. The Lebanese government maintains that its army is working professionally to extend authority over the south of the Litani River, but Israeli officials have questioned the effectiveness of these efforts. The committee monitoring the ceasefire, which includes representatives from the United States, France, Lebanon, Israel, and the United Nations, is set to meet to address the situation. Lebanon's cabinet will also convene to discuss progress in disarming Hezbollah, as tensions continue to rise along the border.