At least 15 people were killed in a new wave of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon as fighting intensified along multiple fronts in the region. Lebanese health authorities reported casualties in several locations, including Beirut and towns outside the capital, as Israel signalled plans to expand its operations against Hezbollah positions.
One of the deadliest strikes hit the Jnah neighbourhood of Beirut, where at least five people were killed and dozens more injured. Additional attacks targeted Ain Saadeh east of the capital and the southern town of Kfar Hatta, where several civilians were reported among the victims, including a young child. Officials said the strikes caused widespread destruction to residential areas and added pressure on already strained emergency services.
Israeli military leadership indicated that operations against Hezbollah were continuing across several sectors of southern Lebanon. Senior commanders visiting troops near the border said Israeli forces were expanding their campaign and had already inflicted heavy losses on Hezbollah fighters. The military stated that the objective remained weakening the group’s operational capabilities while preventing further attacks on Israeli territory.
The strikes came amid broader instability across the Middle East, with escalating tensions involving Iran and its regional allies. Air defence systems in several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, were reportedly activated to intercept drones and missiles launched from Iran toward energy infrastructure in the region. The widening conflict has raised concerns about the safety of key shipping routes and the global oil supply.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continued behind the scenes to secure a temporary ceasefire. Reports suggested that the United States, Iran and regional mediators were discussing a possible 45-day truce that could open the door to a longer-term settlement. However, officials familiar with the negotiations cautioned that the chances of reaching an agreement in the near term remained uncertain as military activity continued across multiple fronts.
