Full Breakdown
Israeli Strikes on Majdal Zoun Kill Rescuers, Wound Soldiers
4/29/2026, 3:43:04 AM
Deadly Strikes in Majdal Zoun
On 28 April 2026, two Israeli air strikes hit a building in Majdal Zoun, a town in southern Lebanon. The attacks killed five people, including three members of the Lebanese Civil Defense who were conducting a rescue operation, and wounded two Lebanese soldiers, according to the Lebanese army.
Background and Ceasefire Context
Since 2 March 2026, a U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been in place after Hezbollah fired on Israeli positions, sparking a broad Israeli air and ground campaign. Despite the truce, both sides have continued exchanges of fire in southern Lebanon, with Israeli forces occupying a self-declared buffer zone and Hezbollah maintaining drone and rocket attacks on Israeli troops and northern Israel.
Data and Casualties
Israeli strikes across Lebanon have killed more than 2,500 people since the ceasefire, including over 100 medics, more than 270 women and over 170 children. The Majdal Zoun attack added five deaths—three rescuers—and two soldier injuries. Separate strikes in the same period killed two people in Jebchit and one in Jwaya, the latter wounding 15, including five children. The Lebanese health ministry reports eight deaths in recent southern strikes.
Official Statements
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes as a war crime. The health ministry described the incident as an “air raid” that killed five “martyrs.” The Lebanese army confirmed two troops were wounded. The Israeli military did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.
Criticism and Opposition
Lebanese officials described the strikes as a new and blatant war crime by Israel. Press advocates noted that recent Israeli attacks have blocked rescue access to a Lebanese journalist killed in a prior strike, raising concerns about civilian protection.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The health ministry cites eight fatalities in recent southern strikes, while other reports focus on five deaths in Majdal Zoun. No Israeli statement clarifies the casualty figures or the targeting rationale.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a new and blatant war crime committed by Israel.” — Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon
- “The Israeli enemy's air raid on the town of Majdal Zoun has, in a preliminary toll, killed five martyrs,” — Lebanese health ministry
- “The Lebanese army said earlier that two troops were also wounded in the second Israeli strike.” — Lebanese army
- “A spokesperson for the Lebanese Civil Defense, a state-run rescue force, told Reuters the three rescuers were initially trapped under rubble by the second Israeli strike on the town of Majdal Zoun and were later confirmed dead.” — Lebanese Civil Defense spokesperson
What’s Next
Israeli officials reported dismantling tunnels used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on the same day. Hezbollah continues drone and rocket attacks, and both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
