Qantara: Tensions escalated once again on Wednesday as the Israeli military claimed responsibility for killing a Hezbollah fighter in a drone strike in southern Lebanon’s Qantara area. The individual was described as a member of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.
The announcement follows a statement from Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirming one fatality in the Israeli airstrike. This marks the second such strike in 24 hours, with another person killed and three injured in a separate attack on a vehicle in Aitaroun, a village near the southern border.
Lebanon Blames Israel for Obstructing Army Deployment
In a strongly worded statement, the Lebanese Presidency accused Israel of obstructing the Lebanese army’s full deployment in the south. The statement referenced UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates a ceasefire and calls for both Hezbollah and Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese army to assume full control.
“The ongoing Israeli occupation hinders the completion of [the army’s] deployment, especially in light of the repeated attacks, as happened today,” the statement read.
Despite the ceasefire agreement reached in November to end over a year of conflict, Israel has reportedly maintained its presence in at least five southern locations. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant recently said that the army will remain stationed in designated “security zones” in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria indefinitely.
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Israel Releases 10 Palestinian Prisoners
In a separate development, Israel released 10 Palestinian prisoners, who were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross before arriving at European Gaza Hospital. The identities and conditions of the released individuals have not been disclosed yet.
Israeli Minister Rejects Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar stirred controversy by declaring that no humanitarian aid should enter Gaza. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling for “hellfire” to be poured on Hamas fighters and rejecting any civilian or military mechanism delivering aid.
His remarks came shortly after Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed the full blockade on Gaza, stating that aid convoys will be halted to pressure Hamas for the release of hostages.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Since early March, no aid convoys have entered the besieged enclave. Food shortages and medical scarcities are widespread. Aid agencies report that dozens of children have died due to starvation, with many more suffering from preventable illnesses amid the growing crisis.
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