BEIRUT: Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon intensified as air and ground attacks reportedly killed at least 24 people amid escalating cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, according to international media reports.
The latest strikes came after Israeli authorities issued evacuation warnings to residents of nine villages in southern Lebanon, urging civilians to leave the targeted areas ahead of military action. Shortly afterward, Israeli forces launched extensive bombardments from both the air and the ground, causing significant destruction and casualties.
Lebanese sources said the attacks targeted multiple locations across southern Lebanon, an area that has witnessed repeated clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters over recent months. Emergency teams and rescue workers reportedly continued search and recovery operations in affected areas following the strikes.
The ongoing escalation has further heightened fears of a broader regional conflict as tensions remain high along the Lebanon-Israel border.
According to reports, Hezbollah also carried out retaliatory attacks against Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon and inside Israeli territory. The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility for several operations targeting Israeli military positions and troops.
Hezbollah’s military media wing additionally released footage purportedly showing Israeli soldiers reacting to a drone attack. The video allegedly captured soldiers jumping from a tank and running into a nearby building to seek cover during the incident.
The authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified, but it quickly circulated across regional media and social media platforms amid the continuing conflict.
The exchange of attacks marks another dangerous phase in the long-running confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, which has intensified significantly since regional tensions surged following the Gaza conflict. Border areas on both sides have witnessed near-daily exchanges of artillery fire, missile attacks, drone strikes, and air raids.
International observers and humanitarian organizations have expressed growing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in southern Lebanon, where repeated strikes have displaced thousands of residents and damaged civilian infrastructure, including homes, roads, and public facilities.
Lebanese authorities have repeatedly accused Israel of carrying out disproportionate attacks on civilian areas, while Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at Hezbollah positions and military infrastructure.
The Israeli military has argued that Hezbollah’s activities near the border pose a direct threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel and has vowed to continue operations to push the group away from frontier regions.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah says its attacks are part of resistance efforts against Israeli military operations in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.
Analysts warn that continued escalation between the two sides could risk triggering a wider regional confrontation involving multiple actors in the Middle East. Diplomatic efforts by international powers and the United Nations have so far struggled to secure a lasting ceasefire or reduce tensions along the border.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which monitors the border area, has repeatedly urged restraint from both sides and warned that further escalation could have devastating consequences for civilians.
Medical sources in Lebanon said hospitals in southern regions were facing mounting pressure due to the increasing number of casualties from ongoing attacks. Residents in affected areas described scenes of panic as airstrikes and artillery shelling intensified.
Families fleeing targeted villages reported widespread destruction and fear of further attacks. Some residents said they had little time to evacuate after receiving warnings before bombardments began.
Regional experts note that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah remains one of the most volatile security flashpoints in the Middle East. Both sides possess significant military capabilities, including missiles, drones, and advanced surveillance systems, increasing the risks associated with prolonged confrontation.
The latest violence has also renewed international calls for diplomacy and de-escalation. Several countries and global organizations have urged all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region and endanger civilian lives.
Despite repeated international appeals, fighting has continued, leaving civilians on both sides of the border exposed to growing insecurity and uncertainty.
