At least 12 individuals were killed during Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon overnight, as tensions continue to rise in the region. The Lebanese health ministry reported that 11 people, including four women and two children, died when a residential building in the village of Kfar Roummane was destroyed. A separate strike targeting a vehicle resulted in the death of a paramedic.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operations were a response to a drone attack on its troops stationed in the Ali al-Taher ridge area. According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted infrastructure linked to Hezbollah and individuals identified as transporting weapons. The IDF noted that it is currently reviewing reports regarding the potential harm caused to civilians during these engagements.

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Local authorities report that the recent escalation has led to at least 27 deaths across southern Lebanon over the past three days. The Lebanese health ministry condemned the strikes, characterizing the targeting of medical personnel and civilians as a violation of international humanitarian law. Residents in the area, such as 35-year-old Sara Moallaem, described the ongoing instability as forcing families to repeatedly flee their homes in search of safety.

The renewed violence has prompted concerns regarding the stability of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement intended to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. While the framework calls for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hezbollah, the militant group has rejected terms that link troop withdrawal to their disarmament. According to data from the Lebanese health ministry, the total death toll in Lebanon since the conflict began has reached at least 4,362, while Israeli authorities report 44 deaths, including 40 soldiers.

Source: BBC News