Israel Intensifies Air Strikes and Expands Ground Occupation in Southern Lebanon

Israeli air strikes intensified across southern Lebanon as Israel expanded its ground occupation.

“Israeli strikes have killed at least 18 people across southern Lebanon, as Lebanese authorities reported that the overall death toll from the war that began last month between Israel and Lebanese group Hezbollah has surpassed 2,000”

Al Jazeera

The Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli attacks since fighting renewed on March 2 have killed 2,055 people.

Al Jazeera

The cumulative death toll since hostilities escalated on March 2 reached 2,055, with 6,588 injured.

Netanyahu said the war continues in the security zone in Lebanon.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon reported confrontations with Israeli troops.

Israeli forces placed Bint Jbeil under siege as ground and air campaigns intensified.

The town was subjected to heavy bombardment.

Asharq Al-Awsat

The Israeli military said troops surrounded Hezbollah infrastructure and started ground operations.

The ground campaign pushed the conflict steadily outward from the border.

More than 1,162,000 people had been internally displaced.

The humanitarian toll mounted as Israeli strikes hit medical facilities and emergency responders.

A Lebanese Red Cross volunteer killed while on a mission was laid to rest.

The International Committee of the Red Cross called consecutive strikes gravely concerning.

Hospitals operated under severe pressure.

165 of the dead were children and 87 were health workers.

Lebanon and Israel agreed to hold their first direct meeting in Washington on April 14.

Hezbollah condemned the move and held protests in Beirut.

BBC

Netanyahu said any peace agreement must last for generations.

The talks came after the United States and Iran announced a two-week truce.

The diplomatic opening marked a rare direct engagement between Lebanon and Israel.