Israel escalated its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, targeting new locations and ordering evacuations in response to increased hostility from the Iran-backed group. At least 15 people were killed and 37 wounded in Israeli strikes across three areas in Lebanon. The Israeli military claimed Hezbollah had fired nearly 320 projectiles into Israel and ordered residents of 23 southern Lebanese villages to evacuate. The U.S. Defense Secretary expressed concern over the safety of U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon and called for a diplomatic solution.
The Lebanese health ministry reported damage to hospitals in Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley from Israeli airstrikes. Medecins Sans Frontieres had to close clinics due to heavy bombardments, disrupting medical care in the country. The Israeli military said it had targeted around 200 sites in Lebanon and killed Hezbollah fighters.
A member of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon was wounded by gunfire and their position was damaged following nearby shelling. Two peacekeepers were also wounded in an Israeli strike near their watchtower. Hezbollah claimed to have attacked Tel Aviv with drones, while Israel intercepted two drones from Lebanon without casualties. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in a significant number of displaced people and casualties on both sides, with the Lebanese government reporting a death toll of 2,255. The situation has led to more displacement than during the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
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