Israeli airstrikes destroy residential buildings in Hula as casualties rise

Airstrikes hit U.N. observers, thwarting ceasefire

Israeli airstrikes destroyed several residential buildings in the southern Lebanese village of Hula on Sunday, killing at least 30 people, including women and children, and wounding dozens more. The attack came as a U.N. team was trying to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas, and it raised fears that the conflict could escalate further.

Bloody Sunday in South Lebanon

The airstrikes hit a four-story apartment building and several houses in the village of Hula, which is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Israeli border. The attack occurred at about 1:30 p.m. local time, and it sent residents fleeing for their lives. Many of the victims were women and children, and some of them were reportedly burned beyond recognition.

The Israeli military said that the airstrikes were in response to rocket attacks by Hezbollah guerrillas. The military said that the guerrillas fired more than 100 rockets into Israel on Sunday, and that the airstrikes were aimed at their launch sites.

Ceasefire breached

The airstrikes came as a U.N. team was trying to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. The team, led by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, had arrived in the region on Saturday, and it was hoping to broker a deal that would end the fighting.

The airstrikes have raised fears that the conflict could escalate further. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate for the attack, and Israel has said that it will continue to strike Hezbollah targets. The fighting has already displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and it has caused widespread damage to infrastructure.

International community condemns Israeli airstrikes

The international community has condemned the Israeli airstrikes. The United States, the United Nations, and the European Union have all called for an immediate cease-fire. The United States has also called for an investigation into the airstrikes.

The Israeli government has defended the airstrikes, saying that they were necessary to protect Israeli citizens from Hezbollah rocket attacks. However, the international community has expressed concern that the airstrikes are causing civilian casualties and escalating the conflict.

Ceasefire talks resume

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hezbollah resumed on Monday. The talks are being mediated by the United Nations, and they are taking place in Lebanon. The talks are aimed at ending the fighting and preventing the conflict from escalating further.

The talks are expected to be difficult. Hezbollah has said that it will not disarm, and Israel has said that it will not stop its airstrikes until Hezbollah stops firing rockets into Israel. However, the international community is hoping that the talks will lead to a cease-fire and an end to the conflict.