Israel strikes south Lebanon, Hezbollah downs Israeli drone over Nabatieh

Strikes continued Thursday, despite a recently extended ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, as the Israeli army struck Harouf, Jebshit, Toul, al-Henniyeh, Kawnine, Zebqine, Adshit, Qalaway, Nabatieh-Mayfadoun, Beit Yahoun, Jmayjmeh, Harees and Baraashit in south Lebanon.

It later ordered the residents of Samaiyeh, Henniyyeh, Qlayleh, Wadi Jilo, Knisseh, Kafra, Siddiqine and Majdalzoun to evacuate.

The Israeli army also dropped white phosphorus bombs on the strategic border town of Khiam and detonated buildings in Shamaa, local media reported, and later said it has begun a series of strikes on south Lebanon.

Hezbollah for its part claimed to have downed a Hermes drone over Nabatieh with a surface-to-air missile.

The group also said it targeted with an attack drone a self-propelled artillery unit south of Yarin.

Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir vowed Wednesday to continue attacks on "any threat, anywhere, against our communities or our forces -- including beyond the Yellow Line and north of the Litani", referring to a river located around 30 kilometers north of Israel.

In a military statement shared after his visit to Israeli troops positioned in southern Lebanon, Zamir added they may be "required to remain" in certain positions in the country.

President Joseph Aoun said Wednesday that "Israel must first fully implement the ceasefire in order to move on to negotiations."