Israel strikes south Lebanon, killing at least 16, hours after Hezbollah ceasefire announced

Israel carried out deadly strikes in south Lebanon on Saturday, with Lebanese civil defence reporting at least 16 people killed in the Nabatieh area, hours after the United States announced a renewed ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah maintained it retained the right to respond to any Israeli attack. The strikes came as follow-up US-Iran talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were indefinitely postponed.

Why did Israel resume strikes after the ceasefire announcement?

An Israeli military official said the country was conducting fresh attacks against Hezbollah, accusing the group of launching more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight.

Hezbollah has not officially claimed any attacks on Israel or its troops since the ceasefire was announced. An Israeli official cited by public broadcaster Kan described the approach to the truce as "fire being answered with fire."

What happened in Friday's strikes before the ceasefire?

Lebanese authorities reported that 47 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Friday, the highest toll since the US and Iran signed their preliminary deal to halt the wider regional war.

The strikes followed the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in combat, which sparked a furious domestic reaction in Israel. Lebanese state media reported air raids on around 20 locations, with an AFP photographer witnessing smoke rising over Nabatieh after the attacks.

What has Hezbollah said about its right to respond?

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said Saturday that the group insisted the "enemy fully and comprehensively respects the ceasefire."

He added that the resistance retained the full right to confront Israel when attacked, describing Israel as the aggressor and occupier.

A previous ceasefire meant to take effect in April was never honoured, with both sides justifying continued attacks by citing the other's violations.

How has the wider US-Iran ceasefire deal been affected?

Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a preliminary agreement this week to halt the Middle East war on all fronts, including Lebanon, a key demand of Tehran's.

Follow-up talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were postponed with no new date announced, after Vice President JD Vance put off his trip.

US envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Switzerland instead to try to get the talks back on track, with fellow Trump emissary Jared Kushner also expected there.

What role is Pakistan playing in the negotiations?

Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, arrived in Iran on Saturday for meetings with officials including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the visit was part of Pakistan's efforts regarding the Iran-US negotiations.

The Switzerland talks were meant to begin a two-month negotiation period on issues not covered by the initial deal, notably Iran's nuclear programme, though Baqaei said there was no urgency and the meeting was planned for "the coming days."

What has the diplomatic response been from Lebanon and the US?

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the need for Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory to cease, according to his office.

Rubio, in turn, emphasised the importance of Lebanon following through on disarming Hezbollah and re-establishing control over all Lebanese territory.

Israel and Lebanon, which have no official diplomatic ties, have held multiple rounds of US-mediated talks in Washington, with another round scheduled for next week.