Lebanese media reports several injuries as Israeli military operations continue despite negotiations under US-sponsored framework agreement

BEIRUT: Israeli forces destroyed several buildings in southern Lebanon, including a four-story school, and struck an Ashura commemoration site, leaving several people injured as ceasefire negotiations continued, Lebanese state media reported Wednesday.

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) said Israeli forces detonated explosives inside the Sheikh Naim Mahdi School in central Eastern Zawtar, completely destroying the four-story building.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces carried out additional explosions in the Touline Valley along the Wadi al-Saluki road, according to the agency.

Explosions Reported Across Southern Towns

During the night, Israeli forces conducted two major explosions in Haddatha and another powerful blast in Beit Yahoun in the Bint Jbeil district, NNA reported.

Furthermore, an Israeli drone directly struck an Ashura commemoration site along the Kafra-Al-Asi road. The attack injured several people, although authorities did not immediately provide details about their conditions.

The agency also reported Israeli drone activity over Beirut’s southern suburbs, adding to concerns about continuing military operations beyond frontline areas.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,335 people, wounded 12,277 and displaced more than one million residents.

US-Sponsored Framework Faces Continuing Strain

The latest incidents occurred despite continuing negotiations aimed at reducing hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.

Under US sponsorship, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a framework agreement on June 26 calling for Israel to gradually withdraw from Lebanese territory. In return, Lebanon would deploy its army and disarm armed groups, including Hezbollah.

However, Israeli forces continue to occupy positions in southern Lebanon. Some areas have remained under Israeli control for decades, while others were occupied during the 2023-2024 conflict.

Moreover, Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometres inside Lebanese territory during the current fighting, according to Lebanese accounts.

The continuing strikes have increased pressure on negotiations as both sides remain divided over withdrawal, security arrangements and Hezbollah’s weapons.