Farmer killed in Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon

A civilian was killed Sunday morning in an Israeli drone strike in Halta (Hasbaya) in the eastern sector of the border zone of southern Lebanon, according to the Ministry of Health. L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region, citing local sources, noted that the victim, Amer Abd al-Aal, was a man in his 40s, killed while working at his chicken farm, between Halta and Wadi Khansa.

Later in the afternoon, Hezbollah claimed Aal as one of its members and announced that his funeral would be held Monday afternoon.

The Israeli army stated in a message posted on Telegram by its Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, that it killed a "Hezbollah terrorist." In an "airstrike," the army "eliminated" the man who was "trying to restore the capabilities" of the party in the area, according to the statement.

Commenting on the strike, Amal MP Qassem Hashem denounced a "violation of international law and the cease-fire agreement." 

Despite the cease-fire that took effect on Nov. 27, the Israeli army continues its strikes in Lebanon, primarily in the south and the Bekaa. The Israeli attacks since the truce, encompassing both bombings and shootings, have resulted in 149 deaths, according to L'Orient Today's tally. The U.N. stated on April 15 that it recorded 71 civilian deaths in these attacks. Moreover, Israeli troops continue to occupy at least five positions they consider "strategic" in southern Lebanon.

It should also be noted that two Israeli drones have continued to fly over the central sector of the border since Sunday morning.