Beirut: Israeli forces continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire arrangement, with at least 31 people reportedly killed in the latest attacks, according to Lebanese media reports.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) said the Israeli strikes carried out on Friday targeted multiple locations in southern Lebanon, resulting in heavy casualties and widespread destruction.
The latest escalation is being described as one of the deadliest periods since clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah resumed after March 2.
Multiple Areas Targeted in Southern Lebanon
According to reports, Israeli airstrikes struck several towns and villages across southern Lebanon, including the Tyre district and Bint Jbeil region.
Among the dead were five people killed in two separate airstrikes on the town of Tora in the Tyre district.
Rescue officials said emergency teams are still searching for a missing girl believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The attacks caused extensive damage to homes and civilian infrastructure, while rescue operations continued throughout the affected areas.
Rescue Worker Killed in Drone Strike
Lebanese media also reported that an Israeli drone targeted a vehicle traveling on a road in southern Lebanon, killing a member of the civil defense rescue service.
The killing of rescue personnel has raised additional concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.
Emergency workers have been actively involved in evacuating injured civilians and recovering bodies from strike sites amid continued bombardment.
Casualties Reported in Bint Jbeil and Other Towns
Further airstrikes in villages located in the Bint Jbeil district reportedly killed five more individuals.
In another attack on the town of Al-Sultaniyah, four additional people lost their lives, according to local sources.
Lebanese authorities warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue teams continue searching damaged buildings and remote strike locations.
Hospitals in southern Lebanon are also reportedly facing pressure due to the increasing number of casualties.
Ceasefire Violations Continue
The latest attacks come despite a ceasefire that had originally been announced on April 17 and later extended until May 17.
However, Lebanese officials and media outlets say Israeli military operations have continued almost daily, particularly in southern parts of the country.
The continued strikes have intensified fears of a broader escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, which have exchanged fire multiple times in recent months.
Rising Regional Tensions
The Israel-Lebanon border region has remained highly volatile amid ongoing tensions linked to wider conflicts in the Middle East.
Cross-border exchanges, drone attacks, artillery shelling, and airstrikes have repeatedly threatened regional stability and displaced civilians living near the frontier.
International observers have expressed concern that continued violence could undermine ceasefire efforts and trigger a larger confrontation.
Humanitarian Concerns Growing
Aid organizations and local authorities have warned about deteriorating humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon due to repeated strikes and displacement.
Residents in affected areas continue to face shortages of medical supplies, electricity, and basic services while many families remain displaced from their homes.
The latest deaths have renewed calls for restraint and for all parties to respect ceasefire agreements and international humanitarian law.
Diplomatic efforts are reportedly ongoing to prevent further escalation, though the security situation in the region remains tense and unpredictable.
