At least 10 people were killed and 12 others injured on Saturday following two Israeli airstrikes on towns in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, as violence along the Israel-Lebanon border continues to escalate.
In a statement, the ministry said seven people were killed and eight injured in a strike on the town of Deir al-Zahrani, located in the Nabatieh district. Emergency services were deployed to the area to evacuate the wounded and assess the extent of the damage.
In a separate incident, another Israeli strike targeted the nearby town of Kfartebnit, where three people were killed and four others injured. Authorities did not immediately provide further details on the victims or the specific targets of the strikes.
The latest casualties add to the growing toll of violence in southern Lebanon, where Israel has intensified its military campaign in response to a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. Since then, the Israeli military has carried out sustained airstrikes and launched ground operations in parts of the south.
Lebanese officials say the impact has been severe, with at least 1,189 people killed and 3,427 injured since the escalation began. The figures reflect both the intensity of the strikes and the vulnerability of communities in affected areas.
The ongoing clashes have also led to widespread displacement and damage to infrastructure, as residents in border regions face repeated bombardment and security threats.
The situation in southern Lebanon is unfolding alongside a broader regional conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. A joint U.S.-Israeli offensive launched on February 28 has reportedly resulted in more than 1,340 deaths in Iran, further heightening tensions across the Middle East.
In retaliation, Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as U.S. military bases in Gulf countries. These developments have expanded the scope of the conflict, drawing in multiple actors and raising concerns about a prolonged and wider regional war.
Analysts warn that continued exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah could further destabilise the region, particularly if fighting intensifies or spreads to new areas. The involvement of Iran and its allies has already complicated the security landscape, increasing the risk of miscalculation and escalation.
Humanitarian concerns are also mounting, with international organisations calling for restraint and the protection of civilians. The rising casualty figures in southern Lebanon highlight the urgent need for measures to reduce harm to non-combatants and ensure access to medical and relief services.
As the conflict shows little sign of easing, attention remains focused on both military developments and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. However, with hostilities continuing on multiple fronts, the path to a resolution remains uncertain.
