BEIRUT: Lebanon’s health ministry has said that Israeli strikes killed 39 people in a single day of heavy bombardment, as cross-border violence with Hezbollah continues.
According to the ministry, one of the deadliest attacks hit the southern town of Saksakiyeh, where at least seven people, including a child, were killed and 15 others injured, among them three children.
The Israel Defense Forces said its operations were aimed at targeting Hezbollah positions, and it was aware of reports of civilian harm. It stated that the strike in Saksakiyeh targeted what it described as Hezbollah operatives using a building for military purposes.
The military added that precautions were taken to reduce civilian harm, including the use of precision weapons and aerial surveillance, and said the incident was under review, according to a BBC report.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported multiple strikes across southern areas on Saturday, including Saksakiyeh. The health ministry also reported a separate incident in Nabatieh, where an Israeli strike on a motorcycle killed a Syrian man and his 12-year-old daughter.
The ministry said the drone reportedly struck again after the initial attack, killing the father and later targeting the girl, who was undergoing emergency surgery.
In response, Hezbollah launched a drone toward northern Israel, which the Israeli military said injured three soldiers.
The exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has continued despite earlier announcements of a ceasefire agreement involving Israel and Lebanon, with both sides maintaining military operations across the border region.
(Inputs from BBC)
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