Arabic version: تصعيد في جنوب لبنان يترك 14 قتيلاً في الضربات الإسرائيلية

Israeli forces have killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens in air attacks across southern Lebanon after Iran warned of “crushing measures” if Israel presses ahead with its assault on the country. The violence erupted after an Israeli attack on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, marking a significant escalation since a ceasefire was established on April 8. According to Al Jazeera, the attacks on Monday included a strike near a Red Cross center in Tyre, which resulted in five fatalities and injuries to eight others, including four paramedics.

Further Israeli airstrikes in the Sidon district killed two people, including a child, while another attack in the Nabatieh district resulted in seven deaths, including a Syrian child and a woman. In addition to the casualties, significant damage occurred, including the destruction of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tyre. Authorities have warned residents to avoid public gatherings due to the ongoing strikes.

Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group engaged in conflict with Israeli forces, reported conducting 16 operations against Israel, targeting military assets and intercepting an Israeli drone. The group has been involved in hostilities since March 2, when it launched rockets at northern Israel in response to ongoing Israeli actions and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28.

Despite a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, Israel has continued its military operations in Lebanon, claiming the fronts are separate. Iranian military officials have threatened severe responses to continued Israeli aggression, while Israeli Minister of Defence Israel Katz affirmed the commitment to operations against Hezbollah and warned of retaliation for any attacks on northern Israel.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reported that Israel has conducted nearly 3,500 airstrikes and caused extensive destruction since April 16, leading to an overall death toll of 3,637 and over 11,188 wounded since the conflict escalated in March. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is dire, with over one million people displaced and many struggling to meet basic needs, according to the International Rescue Committee. The organization emphasized the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire to facilitate recovery efforts.