The region along the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent clashes, primarily involving the Israeli army and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, since the Gaza Strip conflict began on October 7.
Official reports state that an Israeli strike targeted participants in the funeral procession of Hezbollah fighter Hassan Srur in the border town of Aita al-Shaab. The strike, which hit a building less than 40 meters from the procession, caused damage but did not result in casualties. The National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israel aimed to intimidate mourners, but the ceremony proceeded despite the incident.
An AFP correspondent on the scene confirmed that the strike hit the top of an uninhabited building. Subsequently, artillery shells fell near the funeral procession for another Hezbollah fighter in Beit Lif, a few kilometers north.
The Gaza war commenced with an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, leading to 1,139 casualties according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Israel’s retaliatory ground and air offensive in Gaza, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, have resulted in more than 18,800 deaths. The conflict has raised concerns about a potential regional escalation. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have claimed over 130 lives, predominantly Hezbollah fighters, along with a Lebanese soldier and 17 civilians, including three journalists.
Hezbollah announced on Sunday that three of its members were killed, without specifying the location or time. On the Israeli side, officials reported the deaths of four civilians and seven soldiers. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, asserts its actions are in support of Hamas, while residents of south Lebanon claim that Israel’s retaliatory bombardments have intensified.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna held discussions with senior officials in Beirut on Monday, following her visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank, as part of efforts to de-escalate the situation on the border.