Israeli air strikes have destroyed two bridges over the Litani River linking southern Lebanon with the rest of the country, the military says. This comes hours after the Israeli military stated it would target crossings allegedly used by the Hezbollah armed group to move fighters and weapons. Meanwhile, strikes across various locations in Beirut have killed at least 12 people and injured 27, marking an escalation that extends Israeli operations from southern suburbs into central Beirut.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that 968 fatalities, including 111 children, have occurred since 2 March, with the ongoing conflict further complicating the humanitarian situation. Lebanon's involvement in the US-Israel war against Iran intensified after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, prompting a severe retaliatory campaign from Israel, which has included ground troop deployments.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the destruction of the bridges as a direct action against Hezbollah's utilization of Lebanon’s infrastructure for terrorist purposes. While Hezbollah remains silent regarding the recent events, the Israeli military has issued evacuations warnings for civilians in the vicinity of the Litani crossings, reflecting the heightened state of tension and military focus in the area.
The Litani River has historically been critical to Lebanon's security landscape; per UN Security Council Resolution 1701, armed groups are barred from operating south of the river, where Hezbollah is believed to maintain a strong presence. Increased Israeli military actions have prompted over one million individuals to flee their homes amid intensifying attacks across contested regions.
Additionally, Israeli strikes have targeted residential buildings and other facilities throughout Beirut, creating significant devastation. Many civilians caught in the conflict suffer tragic consequences, including recent reports of a 'double-tap' airstrike in Beirut that claimed numerous lives.
As night fell, the situation remained volatile, with Israeli forces ramping up bombardments in various districts, causing disarray and prompting urgent humanitarian responses amidst growing international concern.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that 968 fatalities, including 111 children, have occurred since 2 March, with the ongoing conflict further complicating the humanitarian situation. Lebanon's involvement in the US-Israel war against Iran intensified after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, prompting a severe retaliatory campaign from Israel, which has included ground troop deployments.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the destruction of the bridges as a direct action against Hezbollah's utilization of Lebanon’s infrastructure for terrorist purposes. While Hezbollah remains silent regarding the recent events, the Israeli military has issued evacuations warnings for civilians in the vicinity of the Litani crossings, reflecting the heightened state of tension and military focus in the area.
The Litani River has historically been critical to Lebanon's security landscape; per UN Security Council Resolution 1701, armed groups are barred from operating south of the river, where Hezbollah is believed to maintain a strong presence. Increased Israeli military actions have prompted over one million individuals to flee their homes amid intensifying attacks across contested regions.
Additionally, Israeli strikes have targeted residential buildings and other facilities throughout Beirut, creating significant devastation. Many civilians caught in the conflict suffer tragic consequences, including recent reports of a 'double-tap' airstrike in Beirut that claimed numerous lives.
As night fell, the situation remained volatile, with Israeli forces ramping up bombardments in various districts, causing disarray and prompting urgent humanitarian responses amidst growing international concern.
