Israel Carries Out Extensive Airstrikes In Lebanon, Killing At Least 31

Israel launched an expanded military offensive across southern and eastern Lebanon on Tuesday, carrying out more than 120 airstrikes and ground operations that killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens more, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The escalation marks one of the most intense days of cross-border violence in recent weeks and has further strained an already fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The renewed fighting has raised fears that the truce, which was intended to halt months of hostilities, may be close to collapse.

According to the Israeli military, known as the Israel Defense Forces, the strikes targeted multiple locations across Lebanon, including areas in the south and the eastern Bekaa region. Israeli officials said the operations were aimed at eliminating what they described as direct threats to Israeli border communities. The military also confirmed ground movements beyond a self-declared buffer zone, which Israel refers to as the “Yellow Line,” extending several kilometres into Lebanese territory, though the full scope of the advance has not been independently verified.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry, as reported by the state-run National News Agency (NNA), said that the strikes killed 31 people in recent hours, including civilians. At least 14 of the deaths were reported in the southern town of Burj al-Shamali, where women and children were among the casualties. Officials also confirmed that around 40 people were injured in the attacks. Emergency services have been struggling to reach several impacted areas due to continued shelling and damaged infrastructure, further complicating rescue operations.

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The bombardment also struck areas near significant civilian and historical landmarks, including locations close to the centuries-old Beaufort Castle, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site. Additional strikes were reported near the Qaraoun Dam in eastern Lebanon, the country’s largest water reservoir, raising concerns about damage to critical infrastructure. Lebanese authorities warned that continued escalation could severely impact civilian life and essential services across affected regions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces were “operating with large forces in the field” and working to secure northern communities through expanded military action. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed its fighters engaged Israeli troops attempting to advance toward several southern Lebanese towns and said it carried out retaliatory drone and rocket attacks. Both sides have reported continued clashes in contested border areas, further intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.

The April ceasefire agreement, originally intended to halt cross-border hostilities, has increasingly deteriorated amid repeated exchanges of fire and military escalation. According to Lebanese authorities, more than 3,000 people have been killed and nearly 10,000 injured since early March in ongoing violence linked to the conflict. With diplomatic efforts stalled and military operations expanding on both sides, international observers warn that the situation risks spiraling into a wider and more destructive confrontation in the region.

Also Read: Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Sites In Southern Lebanon, Eight Civilians Killed