Israel and Hezbollah continue strikes despite ceasefire agreement

Hezbollah launched over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces on June 18, 2024, prompting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to strike "Hezbollah terrorist targets" in southern Lebanon, resulting in reported deaths. This escalation occurred despite an apparent ceasefire agreement. The IDF stated that its aircraft and artillery targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and military sites in response to the rocket and drone attacks. Hezbollah, in turn, claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli military positions, including radar sites and command centers. The exchange of fire marks a continuation of the cross-border hostilities that have intensified since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023. International efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire have so far failed to de-escalate the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border.