In a significant escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including a child. The strikes come amid increasing hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, heightening fears of a potential full-scale regional conflict
The Israeli military has been engaged in ongoing exchanges of fire with Hezbollah across Lebanon’s southern border, in parallel with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The recent airstrikes, targeting various locations in southern Lebanon, mark a severe intensification of these hostilities.
According to security sources and Hezbollah’s own death notices, the Israeli strikes killed six Hezbollah fighters. Four of these fighters were killed in the towns of Mays al-Jabal and Tayr Harfa, while another was killed outside Aitarun. The identity of this combatant remains unconfirmed as a Hezbollah member.
In a separate incident, an Israeli strike on the village of Aita, located approximately 14 kilometers north of the Israeli border, claimed the lives of a Hezbollah fighter, identified as Mohammad Najem, and a child. The Israeli military, in a statement, confirmed targeting Najem, citing his role in Hezbollah’s rocket and missile unit.
Hezbollah’s Retaliatory Strikes
In response to the Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah launched rockets and artillery fire at various Israeli military positions throughout the day. The Israeli military reported that several projectiles fired from Lebanese territory had crossed into northern Israel, though no injuries were reported.
Rising Death Toll
Since the outbreak of clashes last October, over 600 people have been killed in Lebanon, including more than 400 Hezbollah combatants and over 130 civilians. The ongoing conflict has not only intensified the humanitarian crisis but also raised the specter of a broader regional war.
Sources By Agencies
