Seven people were killed and 24 injured in southern Lebanon in fresh attacks by Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia on Saturday, the Health Ministry in Beirut reported on Sunday.
Hezbollah said its forces had attacked Israeli troops in the region early on Sunday. Several people have been killed in the fighting, the militia said. The Israeli military did not confirm this account.
According to the military, three drones launched from Lebanon were intercepted before they were able to enter Israeli territory.
Fighting has continued between Israel and Hezbollah despite a ceasefire in place in Lebanon since April 17.
Israeli soldiers are still stationed in southern Lebanon.
Under the current ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army is allowed to defend itself against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks, but is expected to refrain from carrying out “offensive” operations against targets in Lebanon.
On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israeli forces to “vigorously attack Hezbollah targets” in Lebanon, and the military warned residents in the south of the country not to return to their homes.
According to the Lebanese authorities, the recent fighting has resulted in 2,500 deaths and 7,700 injuries, including many civilians.