By Our Correspondent

National News – Six people, including three paramedics, were killed after an Israeli air strike hit the southern Lebanese town of Harouf, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Officials also confirmed that another paramedic suffered critical injuries after a civil defence centre was targeted during the attack.

The Israeli military said it had eliminated two Hezbollah fighters and claimed efforts were made to reduce civilian casualties.

The latest violence came as the United States announced a 45-day extension of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

The truce, first declared on April 16 by US President Donald Trump, followed negotiations held in Washington DC between representatives of both countries.

According to the US State Department, fresh political negotiations will resume in June, while military delegations from Israel and Lebanon are expected to meet at the Pentagon on May 29.

US officials expressed hope that the talks would strengthen border security and support long-term peace between both nations.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said his government would seek more international and Arab support ahead of the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, described the recent discussions as constructive.

Despite the ceasefire, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued across southern Lebanon.

Israeli air and artillery strikes have intensified in recent days, with the military insisting it is targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure.

Lebanese authorities, however, accused Israel of hitting civilians and rescue workers.

The conflict escalated on March 2 after a joint US-Israeli operation against Iran triggered renewed rocket attacks by Hezbollah into northern Israel.

Since then, Lebanon says at least 2,896 people have been killed, while Israeli authorities report 22 deaths, including soldiers and civilians.