Ceasefire Violated: Tensions Flare in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli tank fired into the Lebanese town of Markaba, wounding two people, just a day after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect. The ceasefire, mediated by the U.S. and France, aimed to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah but tensions remain high in the region.

In a dramatic flouting of the newly formed ceasefire, an Israeli tank fired two rounds into the southern Lebanese town of Markaba on Thursday, according to Lebanese security sources reporting to Reuters.

Two individuals were injured and subsequently hospitalized, Lebanon's state news agency stated. The ceasefire, established 24 hours earlier, was meant to prevent offensive military engagements following a 14-month long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

This agreement, facilitated by negotiations involving U.S. and French diplomats, marked a fragile pause in a historically tumultuous region. Tensions persist, however, as Israel continues its battle against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

(With inputs from agencies.)