BEIRUT (AP) – Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in at least 33 deaths in recent days, marking some of the deadliest attacks since the ceasefire following last year’s Israel-Hezbollah war. The escalating violence raises concerns about a potential widening of the conflict beyond Gaza.
The strikes, occurring over the past 24 hours, have targeted areas across southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities, according to the Israeli military. A particularly devastating attack on Tuesday in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh killed 13 people, representing the highest death toll from an Israeli strike in Lebanon since the 2006 conflict. Earlier Wednesday, an airstrike in the village of Tiri killed one person and wounded eleven, including students on a school bus.
Israel’s military alleges that Hezbollah is actively rebuilding its capabilities in southern Lebanon, violating understandings reached when Israel withdrew from the area last year – an agreement where Lebanon committed to suppressing Hezbollah activity. The military claims targeted weapons facilities were deliberately positioned among civilians.
On Wednesday,Israel stated it killed a Hezbollah operative in a drone strike. The recent escalation follows a period of heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, with frequent exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The conflict is unfolding alongside the ongoing Israel-hamas war in Gaza, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
