BEIRUT — Israeli forces crossed into Lebanon on Thursday, April 17, and abducted five people from the Bastra farms of the southern town of Shebaa, the Lebanese state news agency reported. Lebanon’s National News Agency identified the kidnapped as Hassan and Ismail Qassem Zahra, Nouhad Awad, Wafa Moussa, Woroud Moussa.

Television networks Al-Manar and NBN reported that the three women in the group have been released, while brothers Hassan and Ismail, who work as shepherds, remain in Israeli custody. Israeli forces reportedly crossed about 100 meters into Lebanese territory to kidnap the group who were taken to the occupied Shebaa farms. 

The NNA added that forces from UNIFIL and the Lebanese army are coordinating to release the men.