Beirut/Tel Aviv, April 15, (dpa/GNA) – Despite growing hopes for a ceasefire, Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters continued to exchange fire in southern Lebanon on Wednesday.
Heavy clashes were reported in the contested city of Bint Jbeil, where Lebanese security sources said fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants was ongoing. Artillery strikes were also reported in towns near the coastal city of Tyre.
As the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes in southern Lebanon, Israeli media said Iran-backed Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said three paramedics were killed in Israeli attacks near Nabatieh, condemning the strikes.
Lebanese sources have reported multiple attacks on health care workers, while Israel has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances and medical facilities for military purposes.
The Israeli military said it had struck more than 200 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon within 24 hours. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, speaking during a visit to troops in the south, said forces were continuing their advance as Hezbollah fighters withdrew.
He added that more than 1,700 Hezbollah fighters had been killed since the start of the war. Israel aims to turn the area between its northern border and the Litani River, about 30 kilometres inside Lebanon, into a buffer zone free of Hezbollah presence.
Lebanese authorities say at least 2,167 people have been killed, since the war that began on March 2, in the wake of US-Israeli assaults on Iran.
Israeli media reported, that the security cabinet was due to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon later on Wednesday.
Lebanese broadcaster LBCI said recent reports of a potential ceasefire, were linked to diplomatic efforts by Lebanon, including a meeting in Washington on Tuesday and subsequent contacts.
GNA