Israel launches air strikes on South Lebanon amid rising tensions

The attacks, which began early Tuesday morning, mark the most severe exchange of fire between the two neighboring territories in recent months.

Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon. The attacks, which began early Tuesday morning, mark the most severe exchange of fire between the two neighbouring territories in recent months.

According to reports from local sources and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the airstrikes targeted facilities believed to be linked to Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group with a history of conflict with Israel. The IDF stated that the operation was in response to a series of rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon into northern Israel over the past few days. The rockets caused minimal damage but heightened fears of a broader conflict.

Lebanese officials have condemned the Israeli airstrikes, labelling them as an unwarranted escalation and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. The Lebanese Army reported that several civilian structures were damaged, though there have been no immediate reports of casualties. The United Nations has called for restraint from both sides and urged them to engage in dialogue to prevent further violence.

The recent surge in hostilities comes amid ongoing political instability in Lebanon and a tense regional environment. Hezbollah, which wields significant influence in Lebanese politics and military affairs, has not officially claimed responsibility for the recent rocket fire but is widely suspected to be involved.

The airstrikes have further strained the delicate balance in the region and raised concerns about the potential for a larger-scale confrontation. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, fearing that the conflict could spill over and destabilize neighbouring areas.

As tensions remain high, there is an urgent call for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and address the underlying issues fueling the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.