On July 31, 2025, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting sites associated with Hezbollah. The Israeli military stated that these operations aimed at facilities used by Hezbollah for producing and storing strategic weapons. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the strikes resulted in casualties, including fatalities and injuries.
This escalation follows a series of similar incidents in recent months. Notably, on June 27, 2025, Israeli airstrikes in the Nabatiyeh region led to the death of a woman and injuries to several others. These actions have raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire established in November 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite the agreement, reports indicate that Israeli forces have continued operations within Lebanese territory, leading to civilian casualties and heightened tensions.
In response to these developments, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for Hezbollah and other political groups to disarm and transfer their weapons to the national army. President Aoun emphasized the importance of consolidating military power within the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure national security. However, Hezbollah has rejected these calls, asserting that its weapons are essential for Lebanon's defense and that disarmament would benefit Israel. The group maintains that it will not surrender its arms as long as Israeli forces occupy parts of Lebanese territory and continue military operations within the country.
The international community has expressed concern over the ongoing violations of the ceasefire and the potential for further escalation. Diplomatic efforts are underway to address the situation, with calls for both Israel and Hezbollah to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire and engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully. The situation remains fluid, and developments continue to unfold as stakeholders seek to navigate the complex dynamics of the region.