TEL AVIV: Israel vowed on Sunday it would hit Hezbollah again if threatened, as it identified what it described as a commander killed in strikes a day earlier that also left several children dead. Israeli strikes on Saturday killed 11 people in southern Lebanon, according to authorities, in the deadliest attacks since a deal was reached in June aimed at ending hostilities. Israel said the strikes were a response to Hezbollah setting off explosive drones inside a so-called "security zone" in southern Lebanon, seriously injuring three Israeli troops, including an officer.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said a "whole family" had been killed in the strike in the village of Ansar, with Lebanon's health ministry reporting that three children and two women died. Imran Riza, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon, condemned the strike. "Children and civilians continue to pay an unacceptable price. International humanitarian law is clear: civilians must be protected at all times," he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office accused Hezbollah of deliberately placing civilians in harm's way. Lebanon and Israel signed a US-brokered deal in which Lebanon's army will gradually take over security in southern areas occupied by Israel. — AFP
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