Part of Al-Qantara mountain in southern Lebanon collapsed on Monday following a series of powerful Israeli explosions in the Marjayoun district, the Lebanese National News Agency reported, as Israeli forces intensified operations across the country despite a US-backed agreement calling for withdrawal. The collapse followed several “powerful and consecutive” Israeli blasts that shook the Marjayoun district, the agency reported. Israeli drones also flew at low altitude over towns in the Tyre district and over Beirut’s southern suburbs, it said, as surveillance operations intensified alongside ground attacks.
Attacks near UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle
Earlier on Monday, Israeli forces carried out a major blast near Beaufort Castle in the Nabatieh district, while artillery fire struck several nearby towns, according to the agency. Beaufort Castle, a 12th-century landmark overlooking the Litani River near Arnoun, has long held strategic importance because of its elevated position. UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee placed the castles of the Jabal Amel region, including Beaufort Castle, on its list of World Heritage sites in danger on July 27.
Escalation despite withdrawal agreement
The attacks came as Israel continued its military escalation in southern Lebanon despite a US-backed agreement with Beirut calling for a phased Israeli withdrawal. Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed more than 4,000 people and wounded over 12,000 since March 2, while more than 1 million have been displaced, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the 2023-24 war, while its latest offensive has pushed deeper into Lebanese territory.