Key facts
- At least 4,346 people have been killed and over 12,000 wounded in Lebanon since March 2.
- Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 11 people, including three children.
- The Lebanese Prime Minister condemned the Israeli attacks as dangerous.
- Hezbollah condemned the attacks and vowed a response.
- Violence had significantly decreased since a June ceasefire and framework deal.
The death toll in Lebanon has surpassed 4,300 since Israel's invasion began on March 2, with over 12,000 individuals wounded, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Recent Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed 11 people, including three children, marking the deadliest toll since a June lull in hostilities. Warplanes bombed a home in Ansar, killing seven, and another strike in Deir al-Zahrani killed two and wounded nine. An Israeli drone also targeted a motorcycle in Nabatieh.
The Israeli military stated the attacks targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to Hezbollah fighters attacking soldiers. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes as "extremely dangerous" and undermining stability efforts. Hezbollah condemned the attacks and vowed an appropriate response, accusing the Lebanese government of negotiating with Israel.
The current escalation follows a period of significantly decreased violence since a June ceasefire and a US-sponsored framework deal. However, intermittent Israeli strikes continue to cause casualties and damage civilian buildings. The valley between Ansar and Zarariyeh was targeted, marking the first strike at that geographical depth since the ceasefire. Israeli warplanes also targeted the Ali al-Taher ridge, and forces detonated homes in Bint Jbeil.
Hezbollah's chief Naim Qassem criticized Lebanese authorities for pressuring the army to implement the framework deal, which includes Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli withdrawal. Human Rights Watch has urged the UN to maintain an international force in Lebanon.