Three people were killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting different towns in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
The strikes, which took place on Sunday, coincided with Israeli claims of hitting Hezbollah targets in the area, escalating tensions along the border.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that one person was killed in each of the towns of Khiam, Aitaroun, and Malkiya as a result of the Israeli air raids.
The strikes are part of an ongoing surge in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group that operates heavily in southern Lebanon.
Southern Lebanon has been a flashpoint in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The two sides have engaged in numerous skirmishes and wars over the years, most notably the 2006 Lebanon War, which resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides.
The current flare-up in violence comes amid heightened tensions across the region, particularly in light of broader geopolitical conflicts.
Israel has increased its military operations in Lebanon in recent weeks, citing the need to counter Hezbollah’s growing arsenal and military infrastructure.
Hezbollah, classified as a terrorist organization by Israel and several Western countries, is a powerful political and military force in Lebanon, and its presence in the south has made the region a frequent target of Israeli military action.
The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has raised concerns about a broader regional war. Lebanon is already grappling with severe economic and political crises, and the latest violence could further destabilize the country. The ongoing hostilities also risk drawing in other regional actors, including Iran, which has been a key supporter of Hezbollah, and the United States, which has expressed concerns about Hezbollah’s influence in the region.
The international community has called for restraint, with the United Nations urging both sides to avoid further escalation.
However, the situation remains highly volatile, and with Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Lebanon under continued Israeli assault, the potential for further violence looms large.
As rescue operations continue in the aftermath of the airstrikes, civilians in southern Lebanon are facing mounting dangers. This latest incident adds to the growing list of casualties in a conflict that shows no sign of abating soon.
