'Fighting continues in Lebanon,' announces the Israeli army, series of strikes on the South

Hezbollah has suspended its attacks on Israel and Israeli positions in southern Lebanon.

08 Apr 2026, 10:08 by L'Orient Today staff · L'Orient Today

BEIRUT — The Israeli army insisted Wednesday that the cease-fire between Iran and the United States does not apply to the Lebanese front, where "fighting continues." This was quickly reflected on the ground, as a series of strikes in southern Lebanon since last night have killed several people, particularly in targeted attacks on vehicles.

In a message on X, the Arabic-speaking army spokesman Avichay Adraee said that "the fighting continues" in Lebanon and reiterated his call for residents in the South to evacuate the area south of the Zahrani river, which lies about forty kilometers from the border. He added that the army "continues its operations against Hezbollah activities," and warned that "remaining south of the river may put your life in danger."

Hezbollah says it suspended its attacks since midnight, according to three sources close to the group and cited by Reuters. No fire has been observed from southern Lebanon. The group is expected to issue a statement clarifying its official position regarding the cease-fire and the statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Lebanon is not included in the agreement, these sources added.

Massacres in Srifa and Saida

Since March 2, Israeli "operations" have involved a series of often deadly strikes in southern Lebanon. Initial reports from rescue workers indicate that about 20 people have been killed since last night. In Srifa, a bombing caused a massacre, killing at least 10, according to early information from our correspondent. Rescue efforts are ongoing. It remains unclear whether the victims were returning home after the Iran-U.S. cease-fire announcement or had never left the village.

Also in the Sour district, a drone strike targeted a motorcycle, killing its driver. Two other people were killed in a similar strike in Ras al-Ain, and another vehicle was targeted in Qasmieh. A similar attack also caused casualties in Siddiqine. Israeli airstrikes also bombed a building that had been threatened twice in recent hours in Shabriha. In the Nabatieh district, two bodies were pulled from the rubble of a house bombed in Kfar Tibnit. During the night, a strike on the Saida coastline, the major city in the South, killed at least nine people. Eight of them were displaced people from Shebaa (Hasbaya).

Also during the night, rescue workers were targeted multiple times. Two vehicles belonging to the Islamic Health Committee, affiliated with Hezbollah, were hit: the first in Qleileh, injuring four rescuers, and the second in Qabrikha (Marjayoun district). An artillery shell was fired near a Lebanese Red Cross team as it was evacuating bodies in Mansouri (Sour district), without causing injuries. In Abbasieh, a strike on a building caused significant damage to the neighboring Hiram Hospital.

A resident of Ain Ibl briefly captured

The Israeli army also released during the night a resident of Ain Ibl, identified by the initials M.S., who was captured on the outskirts of the village.

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