By Sadiq Abdulfatah

At least seven people, including a commander of the Islamic Jihad movement, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon on Sunday despite an ongoing ceasefire between both sides.

Lebanese health authorities said the attacks targeted several towns in southern and eastern Lebanon, with children reported among the dead and several others injured.

State media said an overnight strike near the eastern city of Baalbek killed Islamic Jihad commander Wael Abdel Halim and his 17-year-old daughter.

Other strikes hit areas including Tayr Felsay, Tayr Debba and Sohmor, while evacuation warnings were also issued for villages near the southern city of Sidon before additional air raids followed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military remains engaged in operations against armed groups and is also dealing with the growing use of drones by Hezbollah fighters.

The latest attacks came after a third round of US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington aimed at extending the ceasefire agreement.

However, Hezbollah criticised the negotiations, describing them as ineffective and warning against concessions related to disarming the group.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks have killed more than 2,900 people since the conflict began, including hundreds since the ceasefire took effect in April.

Source: Asharq Al-Awsat