Lebanon: 22 Killed in Israeli Attacks Amid Ongoing Washington Peace Talks

Despite ongoing peace negotiations in Washington, Israeli military attacks in Lebanon have killed 22 people, including eight children, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Israeli forces targeted approximately 40 locations in southern and eastern Lebanon, striking vehicles and residential areas, while Hezbollah continued rocket fire into Israel. The violence persists despite a ceasefire agreement established on April 17, which has failed to halt hostilities. Since the truce began, at least 393 people have been killed by Israeli actions, bringing the total death toll to 2,896. The UN peacekeeping mission, Unifil, criticized both Hezbollah for drone activities near its headquarters and Israel for military proximity to UN positions. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government reports over 50,000 homes destroyed, reflecting an Israeli strategy to clear border villages. Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated plans to permanently occupy areas south of the Litani River. As diplomats meet for the third round of direct talks in Washington, mediated by US President Donald Trump, the gap between diplomatic efforts and ground realities remains stark, with both sides violating the terms of previous UN resolutions and ceasefire agreements.