Israel launches air strikes on southern Lebanon

TYRE, Lebanon, Aug 1: Israel launched air strikes against Lebanese border villages today, the second day of what it said would be a 48-hour halt to aerial bombardment against the south, Lebanese security sources and witnesses said.

They said Israeli aircraft hit Bayyada and Mansoureh in southern Lebanon while Israeli artillery struck other areas.

The United States won a 48-hour suspension of aerial bombardment from Israel after an air raid killed at least 54 civilians in the Lebanese village of Qana on Sunday, sparking world anger. The suspension was announced by the United States in the early hours of Monday, shortly after midnight local time.

But Israel has continued artillery bombardment and launched air raids on eastern Lebanon and on southern areas where Israeli troops are fighting on the ground.

Israel says it reserves the right to bomb Hizbollah forces, rocket launchers and use air power to support its ground troops.

Israel yesterday rejected an immediate ceasefire to the fighting in Lebanon and vowed to expand and deepen its offensive against Hizbollah guerrillas until an international force is deployed.

REUTERS