Israeli Strikes Kill 11 Civilians, Including Two Children, in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley
Israeli forces have launched a heavy wave of strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating he ordered an increase in the number and intensity of attacks against Hezbollah. The Lebanese health ministry reported that 11 people, including two children and one woman, were killed in strikes on the Bekaa Valley village of Mashghara.
The Israeli military claimed to have targeted over 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and fighters, describing the overnight bombardment as one of the most intense since the US-brokered ceasefire commenced in mid-April. They released aerial footage from Mashghara, asserting it showed strikes on "Hezbollah infrastructure sites where terrorist activity was identified" and that "the terrorists were eliminated."
This escalation follows Netanyahu's public vow to "press the pedal even harder" in targeting Hezbollah, citing the group's attacks, including those involving fibre-optic drones. The announcement reportedly prompted panic in Beirut's southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah stronghold, with residents fleeing the area.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli air and artillery strikes have continued daily in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones at northern Israel and Israeli forces occupying parts of southern Lebanon. On Tuesday morning, the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders across Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire terms.
Hezbollah, in turn, stated it targeted three barracks and a military post in northern Israel "in response to the violation of the ceasefire" by Israel. Since the conflict began on 2 March, Israeli strikes have killed at least 3,185 people in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israeli military losses from Hezbollah attacks in southern Lebanon amount to 23 soldiers and one civilian contractor.
