4 people killed in Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon

BEIRUT

At least four people were killed Sunday when Israeli fighter jets targeted a civil defense center operated by the Islamic Scout Association in the town of Tayr Debba in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s official news agency.

The Israeli army also carried out intense airstrikes on Tyre, the southern towns of Kfarchouba and Kfar Kila, as well as Hermel and its surrounding areas in eastern Lebanon, according to an Anadolu Agency correspondent.

In the early hours of Sunday, the Israeli military launched fresh airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburb, hitting several targets. The bombings caused fires and extensive damage to buildings in the area.

Since Saturday, Israeli airstrikes have intensified to levels not seen since the 2006 Lebanon War. Beirut’s southern suburb and several towns in southern Lebanon have been repeatedly bombarded.

The toll from this latest wave of attacks, described as the "most violent and widespread" since clashes with Hezbollah began nearly a year ago, has risen to 816 dead and 2,507 injured, according to Lebanese government data. The casualties include many women and children.

Lebanese and Palestinian factions, most notably Hezbollah, have been exchanging fire daily with Israeli forces across the Blue Line since Oct. 8, 2023.

As of Saturday, the ongoing exchanges have claimed the lives of 1,673 people, including 104 children and 194 women, with 8,603 others injured, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

On Saturday, the Israeli army announced the "successful" assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburb the previous evening. Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death.

The international community has expressed concern over Israel’s actions in Lebanon, warning that the strikes could escalate the ongoing Gaza conflict into a wider regional war.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Ankara