Israeli Strikes Kill 31 as Lebanon Tensions Rise

Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 31 people and injured dozens on Tuesday, as Israel expanded military operations despite an existing ceasefire with Hezbollah, according to Lebanese authorities.

Lebanon’s health ministry said the dead included at least four children and three women, while around 40 others were wounded in attacks targeting several areas in southern Lebanon.

The casualties were reported from multiple locations, including Burj al-Shamali near Tyre, Kawthariyat al-Riz, Habbush, Maarakeh and Salaa, highlighting the widening scope of the military activity.

Witnesses in the southern city of Nabatieh reported hearing intense airstrikes after Israeli forces issued large-scale evacuation warnings covering dozens of towns and villages across southern and eastern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s state-run news agency reported that one of the attacks struck an area near a public hospital, causing significant damage to parts of the medical facility.

The Israeli military said it had expanded its ground operations and confirmed that troops were operating beyond the previously declared security zone inside southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters had confronted Israeli troops attempting to advance into Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, a strategic town overlooking Nabatieh. The Iran-backed group claimed it carried out rocket and drone attacks against Israeli forces and engaged them in direct clashes.

The Israeli military said it launched overnight strikes on more than 100 Hezbollah-linked targets across Lebanon, describing the operations as efforts to target militant infrastructure and prevent further attacks.

In eastern Lebanon, additional casualties were reported following airstrikes in the town of Mashghara. Rescue teams continued clearing debris as search operations remained underway.

Several attacks also occurred near the Qaraoun Dam along the Litani River, prompting authorities to warn of potentially severe consequences if key infrastructure is damaged.

The Litani River Authority warned that any strike affecting the dam or related facilities could create serious risks for nearby communities, infrastructure and essential services downstream.

Emergency responders also suffered losses. Lebanese civil defence authorities reported the death of a rescue worker who was injured while responding to an earlier strike, adding to the rising toll among humanitarian personnel.

The Israeli military said it had intercepted several drones launched toward northern Israel, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli military positions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said operations in Lebanon were being intensified and described them as necessary to reinforce security along Israel’s northern border.

The United Nations also expressed concern over rising hostilities. UN officials reported a significant increase in airspace violations and exchanges of fire, warning that the situation risks undermining existing ceasefire arrangements.

Cross-border tensions have continued despite earlier truce agreements, with repeated military exchanges raising fears of wider regional instability and additional civilian casualties.