JERUSALEM, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Friday it has reimposed gathering restrictions in communities along the northern border with Lebanon, citing a security escalation amid continued exchanges of fire with Hezbollah despite a ceasefire.
Under the order, outdoor gatherings are limited to 200 people and indoor gatherings to 600 through at least Monday at 8 p.m. local time.
The order, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, includes the Mount Meron area in the Upper Galilee. The region typically draws hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews for the annual Lag BaOmer festival to be celebrated later this week, but officials said the large-scale celebration is not expected to proceed as usual.
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have continued to cause casualties despite the ceasefire. At least nine people were killed in strikes on Friday across the country, according to local sources.
Israeli forces also demolished a monastery and a school belonging to the Sisters of the Holy Savior in the village of Yaroun and carried out a controlled explosion in Naqoura's Hamoul area. The IDF urged residents of the village of Habboush to evacuate immediately, warning of imminent action against Hezbollah.
Lebanon's Health Ministry said the cumulative toll from Israeli strikes since March 2 has reached 2,618 killed and 8,094 wounded.
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight between April 16 and 17, following weeks of intensified cross-border fighting linked to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Israel has accused Hezbollah of violating ceasefire. ■
