Heavy Israeli Airstrikes Kill Scores Across Lebanon
Dozens of people were killed in a fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to intensify military operations against Hezbollah.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 31 people, including children, died in the latest attacks. The Israeli military stated that it targeted more than 100 Hezbollah sites and fighters during one of the heaviest bombardments since the US-brokered ceasefire began in mid-April.
The escalation followed Netanyahu’s statement earlier this week in which he said Israel would “press the pedal even harder” against Hezbollah.
Projectile Fired Into Northern Israel
Early Wednesday morning, air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel after a projectile was launched from Lebanon. The Israeli military said the projectile landed in an open area and caused no injuries.
During a security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Israel was “deepening our operation in Lebanon,” adding that Israeli forces were securing key areas near the border to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks.
Ceasefire Under Pressure
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah has faced repeated violations from both sides, raising concerns over broader regional tensions involving the US and Iran.
Israeli strikes have continued daily, especially in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones into northern Israel and targeted Israeli troops stationed in parts of southern Lebanon.
Historic Site Near Strike Zone
Airstrikes reportedly hit areas near the historic Beaufort Castle, a centuries-old fortress recognised by UNESCO as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the region.
Several towns in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and southern regions suffered heavy destruction. In Mashghara, rescue teams pulled survivors, including children, from collapsed buildings after overnight strikes destroyed homes.
Civilians Caught in the Conflict
Among the survivors was seven-year-old Mohammad, who was rescued from rubble after an airstrike destroyed his home, killing his father and two sisters.
Local residents described scenes of devastation, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and many families fleeing their homes in fear of further attacks.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli military positions, saying they were retaliation for Israeli violations of the ceasefire.
Rising Death Toll
Israel says the intensified campaign follows the killing of one of its soldiers in southern Lebanon. Since the conflict reignited in March, Israeli officials report 23 military deaths caused by Hezbollah attacks.
Lebanon’s health ministry says Israeli strikes have killed at least 3,185 people during the same period, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis as tensions continue to rise in the region.