Tensions in West Asia increased again after fresh violence in Lebanon. The country’s health ministry confirmed that Israeli strikes killed at least 14 people on Sunday.

The victims included two children and two women. The attacks also injured 37 others.

Violence Continues Despite Ceasefire

The latest strikes raised concern because they came after Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire for three weeks in Washington. Before the attacks, the Israel Defense Forces issued evacuation warnings for villages in southern Lebanon.

The warning told residents they “must evacuate” immediately. It said staying would be “endangering their lives”.

IDF Targets Hezbollah Positions

Later, the IDF said it carried out “artillery and aerial strikes.” It said it targeted operatives and sites linked to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The IDF claimed these sites were used “to advance attacks against IDF soldiers”.

The military also said a 19-year-old soldier was killed. It added that a Hezbollah drone attack injured six others.

The IDF reported that Hezbollah launched three drones towards Israel. It said the air force intercepted them before they crossed the border. These exchanges increased fears that the situation could worsen further.

Ceasefire Remains Fragile

The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon began on April 16. Both sides later extended it by three weeks. However, the agreement allows Israel to act in self-defence. It gives Israel the “right to take all necessary measures in self-defence, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks”.

Netanyahu Defends Military Action

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes during a government meeting. He said the IDF is “active, and it is acting with force” in Lebanon. He also accused Hezbollah of damaging the ceasefire.

“We are acting vigorously according to the rules we agreed upon with the United States, and incidentally, with Lebanon as well. This means freedom of action, not only to respond to attacks, which is obvious, but to thwart immediate threats and also to neutralise emerging threats,” he said.

Continued Accusations From Both Sides

The IDF said it struck Hezbollah “military structures” overnight before Sunday’s attack. It also accused the group of launching two explosive drones towards Israel.

Since the ceasefire extension, both sides have reported attacks. Each side has accused the other of breaking the agreement.

Escalation Before Latest Strikes

On Saturday, Netanyahu ordered the military to “vigorously attack Hezbollah targets” in Lebanon. Strikes on the same day killed at least six people in southern Lebanon.

Regional Diplomatic Moves Continue

At the same time, regional diplomacy continued. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Pakistan on Sunday. He aimed to present Iran’s plan for restarting peace talks with the United States.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire between the US and Iran. The truce was earlier set to end on April 22.