Israeli strikes kill 31 in south Lebanon as Gaza attacks continue

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 31 people and injured 40 others, , as Israel intensified attacks across multiple areas of the country’s south.

According to Reuters and other Arab media outlets, the town of Burj al-Shamali was among the worst-hit areas, where several people, including children, were killed. Bodies were reportedly still trapped under the rubble as rescue teams continued efforts to reach victims. Separate agency reports, citing Lebanon’s Health Ministry, said the overall death toll from Tuesday’s strikes stood at 31, including children and women, with 40 others wounded.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli attacks since March 2 had killed 3,213 people. The Israeli military also issued fresh forced evacuation instructions for seven areas in southern Lebanon, raising fears of further escalation and displacement.

Israel expands military pressure

The latest strikes came amid reports that Israel had expanded its military operations in southern Lebanon. Reuters reported that Israel carried out more than 120 airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an expansion of ground activity beyond the established security zone.

The attacks have further strained the ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hezbollah, with southern Lebanon witnessing repeated bombardment, displacement orders and clashes in recent weeks.

Gaza also hit by Israeli strikes

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continued in Gaza, where Arab media reported that at least seven Palestinians were killed and more than 20 others wounded in separate strikes.

Hospital officials said five Palestinians were killed in a drone strike on a refugee camp in central Gaza. In Khan Younis, at least two people were killed and several others injured when an Israeli strike targeted a vehicle, according to Arab media.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu also claimed that Israel had targeted Mohammad Odeh, described by Israel as Hamas’s new military chief in Gaza. Media reports said Odeh was appointed earlier this month to lead Hamas’s military wing. Reuters and AP reported that Israel said it had carried out the strike against Odeh, while Palestinian hospital officials said the attack in Gaza City killed several people and wounded more than a dozen.