Hezbollah and Israeli Forces Exchange Attacks Amid Extended Ceasefire in Southern Lebanon

Apr 24, 2026, 13:56

Introduction

Hezbollah claimed a drone strike on Israeli troops in southern Lebanon on Friday, referring to retaliation for Israeli ceasefire violations, while Israeli forces continued military operations in the region. The incidents occurred shortly after the United States brokered a three-week extension of a previously established ceasefire.

Main Body

Hezbollah issued a statement on Friday claiming that its forces launched a drone attack targeting Israeli soldiers in the town of Qantara, located in the Marjayoun District, and reported a direct hit. The group described the operation as a response to Israeli strikes on civilians, specifically referring to an airstrike earlier that day on the town of Touline, which Lebanese authorities stated resulted in two deaths. In a separate statement, Hezbollah also claimed to have shot down an Israeli Hermes 450 drone near the Housh area adjacent to Tyre, using a surface-to-air missile. Meanwhile, Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon continued on Friday. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes struck a house in Touline, followed by artillery shelling in the area. Additional airstrikes targeted the town of Kherbet Selm. These operations occurred hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon had been extended by three weeks, following discussions at the ambassador level at the White House. The initial ten-day ceasefire, which took effect on April 16, had been scheduled to end on Sunday. According to Israeli Army Radio, an Israeli soldier was injured by an explosive-laden drone attack on Thursday in southern Lebanon. The broadcaster did not provide further details on the soldier's condition, and the Israeli army had not issued an official statement about the incident. Hezbollah had previously stated on Thursday evening that it targeted Israeli army positions and vehicles with rockets and drones in retaliation for what it described as ongoing ceasefire violations by Tel Aviv. Data published on the Israeli army’s website indicates that 735 soldiers have been wounded since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28 and Hezbollah’s involvement beginning March 2. Israeli forces continue to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, with some territories held for decades and others gained during recent conflicts. The current offensive has seen Israeli forces advance approximately 10 kilometers into southern Lebanese territory. Lebanese authorities report that expanded Israeli attacks since March 2 have resulted in over 2,200 deaths and the displacement of more than one million people.

Conclusion

The exchange of attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces continues despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire extension, with both sides citing violations by the other. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations and reported casualties on both sides.

Vocabulary Learning

brokered

Arranged or negotiated an agreement, especially by a third party.促成（協議）

Example:The United States brokered a three-week extension of a previously established ceasefire.

ceasefire

A temporary suspension of fighting, typically one where both sides agree to stop attacks.停火

Example:The initial ten-day ceasefire took effect on April 16 and was scheduled to end on Sunday.

displacement

The forced movement of people from their homes or usual area, often due to conflict.流離失所

Example:Lebanese authorities report that expanded Israeli attacks have resulted in the displacement of more than one million people.

offensive

A large-scale military attack or campaign aimed at gaining territory or achieving a strategic goal.攻勢

Example:The current offensive has seen Israeli forces advance approximately 10 kilometers into southern Lebanese territory.

retaliation

The action of returning a military attack or harm in response to a similar attack.報復行動

Example:Hezbollah claimed a drone strike on Israeli troops, referring to retaliation for Israeli ceasefire violations.

Sentence Learning

Contrast with 'while' The word 'while' connects two simultaneous actions, showing contrast between Hezbollah's claim and Israeli operations. The present participle 'referring' adds background information.對比連詞「while」「while」連接兩個同時發生的動作，顯示真主黨的聲明與以色列行動之間的對比。現在分詞「referring」補充背景信息。

The group described the operation as a response to Israeli strikes on civilians, specifically referring to an airstrike earlier that day on the town of Touline, which Lebanese authorities stated resulted in two deaths.

Relative clause with 'which' The relative clause 'which Lebanese authorities stated resulted in two deaths' provides additional information about the airstrike, using 'which' as the relative pronoun.關係從句「which」關係從句「which Lebanese authorities stated resulted in two deaths」提供關於空襲的額外信息，使用關係代詞「which」。

These operations occurred hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon had been extended by three weeks, following discussions at the ambassador level at the White House.

Passive voice and participle linking 'had been extended' is passive voice, emphasizing the ceasefire extension rather than who extended it. The present participle 'following' links the extension to the discussions.被動語態及分詞連接「had been extended」是被動語態，強調停火延長而非誰延長。現在分詞「following」將延長與討論聯繫起來。

The initial ten-day ceasefire, which took effect on April 16, had been scheduled to end on Sunday.

Relative clause and passive voice The relative clause 'which took effect on April 16' gives a time reference for the ceasefire. The main verb 'had been scheduled' is passive voice, focusing on the schedule rather than who scheduled it.關係從句及被動語態關係從句「which took effect on April 16」提供停火的時間參考。主要動詞「had been scheduled」是被動語態，強調日程而非誰安排。

The exchange of attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces continues despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire extension, with both sides citing violations by the other.

Contrast with 'despite' and participial phrase 'Despite' introduces a contrast between the ceasefire extension and continued attacks. The phrase 'with both sides citing violations' uses a present participle to add a concurrent circumstance.對比連詞「despite」及分詞短語「despite」引入停火延長與持續攻擊之間的對比。短語「with both sides citing violations」使用現在分詞添加伴隨情況。