The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon continues unabated despite a U.S.-brokered memorandum intended to halt hostilities on all fronts. The ceasefire agreement, signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, called for an immediate and permanent end to military operations, including those in Lebanon. However, both Israel and Hezbollah have ignored the terms, with ongoing airstrikes and attacks reported days after the memorandum was announced.

Israeli forces have maintained their strikes across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has continued to target Israeli military positions. This persistent fighting has left civilians and emergency responders caught in the crossfire, undermining diplomatic efforts toward peace. The southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, home to one of the few operational hospitals in the area, remains a focal point of violence. Emergency worker Hussein Fakih described the toll of the conflict, noting the recent death of his nephew, a civil defense first responder killed by an Israeli strike while providing aid.

The death toll in Lebanon has risen to at least 4,057 since the outbreak of hostilities in early March. On the Israeli side, the government confirmed the deaths of a tank battalion commander and three soldiers during operations in Lebanon on Friday. Despite ongoing violence, Israeli far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir tweeted incendiary remarks, stating, “All of Lebanon must burn,” reflecting the deepening animosity.

Diplomatic efforts have struggled amidst the continuing violence. Although a fresh ceasefire was scheduled to take effect at 4 p.m. local time on Friday, reports indicated that Israeli strikes had already resumed minutes after the deadline passed. The situation remains fluid, with a Lebanese news agency recording 12 Israeli strikes shortly after the ceasefire was set to begin. Furthermore, scheduled peace talks in Switzerland were canceled, casting further doubt on the prospect of a resolution.

Lebanon’s health ministry reports that 135 paramedics and emergency personnel have been killed since March 2, many still under attack. Hezbollah, which has not participated in the ongoing diplomatic talks, maintains that it will continue its operations in retaliation for Israeli military presence and strikes in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that the conflict with Hezbollah is ongoing, pledging to sustain military operations in southern Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening “full force” retaliation if Tehran engages militarily against Israel in response to the Lebanon conflict.

Amid the destruction and uncertainty, some residents have begun returning to their homes. As evening fell, members of the Shia community gathered to observe Ashura, an important religious commemoration marking the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, signaling resilience amid turmoil.