At least 12 people, including a child, were killed in southern Lebanon on Friday as Israeli strikes continued despite an active ceasefire. The attacks targeted multiple locations, resulting in significant casualties and the destruction of residential areas and public infrastructure.
Friday’s Strikes and Casualties
In the Nabatieh district, Israeli forces killed at least eight people in Habboush. At least eight others were wounded in the same area, including a woman and another child.
Additional attacks near Tyre and Nabatieh resulted in four more reported deaths. Reports from the ground indicate that Israel also demolished a school, a convent, and several houses during Friday’s operations.
Obaida Hitto reported from Tyre that the Lebanese Civilian Defence searched through the rubble of a residential neighbourhood destroyed by a massive set of air strikes. Hitto described the footage from the site as dramatic, noting that buildings were completely flattened.
Strikes were reported in at least six other locations across southern Lebanon on Friday, causing further casualties among women, and children.
Evacuations and Military Movements
On Friday, Israel issued a forced evacuation order for residents of Habboush, which is located north of the Litani River. Avichay Adraee, the military’s Arabic-language spokesperson, used social media to instruct residents to immediately move at least 1,000 metres away before strikes hit the village.
This followed an attack on the town one day earlier, which occurred without any prior warning. These actions come amid ongoing tensions, with Israel continuing to occupy portions of southern Lebanon designated as a buffer zone.
Hezbollah has continued its own operations against Israeli forces and vehicles within Lebanon. The group stated it targeted soldiers in Sour as well as other vehicles, including a Merkava tank.
Broader Conflict Timeline and Toll
The current cycle of violence began on March 2, after the US and Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This followed a period of intensified attacks in September 2024 that resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The conflict is rooted in the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023. While Israel claims its current attacks target the pro-Iran group Hezbollah, a large proportion of those killed have been civilians.
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health’s Emergency Operations Center, 2,618 people have been killed and 8,094 wounded since hostilities resumed on March 2. This follows a day on Thursday where at least 28 people were reported killed.
A US-brokered ceasefire was announced on April 17 and has been extended to May 17, though the death toll continues to rise.
Future Outlook
Given the current trajectory, the situation may remain volatile as the May 17 ceasefire deadline approaches. There is a possibility that further forced evacuations could occur in southern Lebanon, and hostilities could potentially intensify if the buffer zone disputes are not resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current death toll in Lebanon since March 2?
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health’s Emergency Operations Center reported that 2,618 people have been killed and 8,094 wounded since hostilities began on March 2.
Who does Israel claim to be targeting in these strikes?
Israel has claimed that its attacks target the pro-Iran Lebanese group Hezbollah, though reports indicate a large proportion of the casualties have been civilians.
Why did the fighting resume on March 2?
Hezbollah began attacking Israel again on March 2 following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel.
Do you believe the current ceasefire extensions are sufficient to prevent further escalation in the region?