Israeli Air Strikes Kill 39 in Southern Lebanon, 15 Injured
lifeinmena-Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least 39 people and injured 15 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, in one of the deadliest attacks reported in recent weeks amid escalating cross-border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
The strikes reportedly hit several areas in southern Lebanon, including the town of Saksakiyeh, where rescue teams and ambulances were deployed to search through damaged buildings and transport the wounded to nearby hospitals. Lebanon’s health ministry said women and children were among the victims, while local media showed scenes of widespread destruction following the attacks.
According to the BBC, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation targeted Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure in the area. The Israeli military claimed the strikes were carried out in response to continued attacks launched from Lebanese territory towards northern Israel. The IDF added that it was reviewing reports of civilian casualties caused by the air strikes.
Hezbollah later said it had launched drone attacks targeting Israeli military positions in northern Israel. In response, the Israeli military confirmed that three soldiers were injured in the attack, including one who was said to be in serious condition. Air raid sirens were reportedly activated in several northern Israeli communities following the drone launches.
The latest escalation comes despite a ceasefire announcement made by US President Donald Trump on 16 April, aimed at reducing tensions in the region. However, clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have continued almost daily, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Residents in southern Lebanon say the ongoing violence has forced thousands of families to flee their homes, while humanitarian organisations have warned of worsening conditions for civilians trapped near conflict zones. Schools, roads and residential areas in several towns have reportedly suffered damage since the fighting intensified earlier this year.
Lebanon’s health ministry says nearly 2,800 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since 2 March, with thousands more injured. The continued exchange of strikes has drawn growing international concern, with several countries and aid agencies calling for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further bloodshed in the Middle East.
