Israeli forces intensified airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Tuesday, following the evacuation of at least 20 villages near the border. The strikes targeted what the Israel Defense Forces described as Hezbollah rocket-launching positions and infrastructure. Local officials reported at least 12 casualties, including civilians, in the bombardment.
The escalation comes after a series of cross-border attacks and Israeli warnings that it would expand operations if threats persisted. Emergency services struggled to reach affected areas amidst the ongoing bombardment. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon called for restraint, warning of a broader regional conflagration.
Diplomatic sources indicated that US and French mediators were working to de-escalate tensions, but no formal ceasefire proposal had been tabled late Tuesday.
