Israeli strikes across Lebanon have killed 14 people, including two children and two women, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, in a sharp escalation that is once again testing an already fragile ceasefire agreement. Another 37 people were injured in the attacks on Sunday, deepening fears that the truce could unravel completely.

Tensions surged after the Israel Defense Forces issued urgent evacuation warnings for several villages in southern Lebanon, telling residents they "must evacuate" immediately, warning that staying would be "endangering their life". The alert signaled imminent military action, sending panic through border communities already living under constant threat.

Shortly after, the IDF confirmed it had carried out "artillery and aerial strikes" targeting Hezbollah operatives and sites in southern Lebanon, which it said were used "to advance attacks against IDF soldiers". The strikes mark one of the most serious flare ups since the ceasefire was put in place.

The violence also claimed Israeli casualties. The IDF said a 19 year old soldier was killed and six others were injured in a Hezbollah drone attack launched from Lebanon.

In a parallel escalation, Hezbollah reportedly sent three drones toward Israel. The Israeli military said all three were intercepted by the air force before crossing the border, preventing what could have been further casualties.

Ceasefire Under Pressure as Retaliation Intensifies

The two sides remain bound by a fragile semi permanent ceasefire that took effect on 16 April and was extended by three weeks last Thursday. Despite the agreement, both Israel and Hezbollah continue to accuse each other of repeated violations.

Under the deal, Israel retains its right to respond militarily, including what it defines as preventative action against threats. That clause has become a central point of contention as strikes and counterstrikes continue to mount.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military campaign during a government meeting, emphasizing the intensity of ongoing operations.

"We are acting vigorously according to the rules we agreed upon with the United States, and incidentally, with Lebanon as well. This means freedom of action, not only to respond to attacks, which is obvious, but to thwart immediate threats and also to neutralise emerging threats," he said.

Netanyahu also said Hezbollah’s actions were undermining the agreement, stating the group’s activity was "disintegrating the ceasefire".

Earlier in the week, the IDF reported additional strikes on Hezbollah "military structures" and accused the group of launching explosive unmanned aerial vehicles toward Israel. Netanyahu had already ordered the military to "vigorously attack Hezbollah targets" in Lebanon on Saturday, a directive that preceded strikes that killed at least six people in southern Lebanon.

Regional Diplomacy Moves Forward Amid Escalation

Even as violence intensifies on the Israel Lebanon front, diplomatic efforts continue elsewhere in the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled back to Pakistan on Sunday to outline Tehran’s approach for potentially restarting talks with Washington. His visit comes as regional actors attempt to stabilize broader tensions linked to multiple ongoing conflicts.

US President Donald Trump recently extended a ceasefire framework between the countries that had been set to expire on 22 April, allowing additional time for negotiations.

Araghchi had been in Islamabad on Saturday for discussions with Pakistani officials acting as mediators. Shortly after his departure for Oman, Trump announced the cancellation of a planned visit by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

While the White House suggested Iran had shown interest in dialogue, Tehran has pushed back, insisting no direct negotiations with the United States were ever scheduled.

Araghchi himself has expressed skepticism about the process, saying on Saturday that Tehran had "yet to see" whether Washington is serious about diplomacy. He is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, further underscoring the widening international dimension of the crisis.