At least 39 people have been killed in a renewed wave of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, the country’s health ministry said, as clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue despite a declared ceasefire.
One of the deadliest strikes hit the southern town of Saksakiyeh, where at least seven people, including a child, were killed and 15 others injured, among them three children, according to the ministry, reports BBC.
The Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah operatives who were using a structure for military purposes, and acknowledged reports of civilian casualties. It added that it had taken precautions to minimise harm to civilians, including the use of precision-guided weapons and aerial surveillance, and said the incident is under review.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported multiple Israeli strikes across southern areas on Saturday.
In a separate incident, an Israeli drone strike in Nabatieh hit a motorbike carrying a Syrian man and his 12-year-old daughter.
The health ministry said the pair were struck in successive attacks, killing the father and critically injuring the girl, who was undergoing surgery.
Hezbollah also launched a drone attack into northern Israel, injuring three Israeli soldiers, one of them seriously, according to the Israeli military.
Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have persisted since a ceasefire deal announced on 16 April. Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at Hezbollah-linked targets, while the group has responded with rocket and drone attacks.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, more than 120 people have been killed in Israeli strikes over the past week, including women and children, although it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Israeli forces continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon along the border, where they are attempting to establish what they describe as a Hezbollah-free buffer zone. Reports indicate widespread destruction in several villages, raising concern among rights groups.
Since early March, nearly 2,800 people have been killed in Lebanon, while Israeli authorities say 17 soldiers and three civilians have died in related violence on both sides of the border.
