Fighting in southern Lebanon intensified this afternoon as Israeli ground forces pushed deeper into border areas, with casualties reported on both sides and fears growing that the conflict could widen further across West Asia. The Israeli military reported that four of its soldiers were killed and two others wounded during intense combat with Hezbollah fighters in the western sector of southern Lebanon in the past few hours. According to the Israeli Defence Forces, troops are continuing operations to expand a security buffer zone, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and pushing armed positions away from the Israeli border toward the Litani River.
Lebanese authorities reported ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting southern villages, with the country’s health ministry confirming additional casualties among fighters and civilians. Heavy explosions and sustained overflights were reported in areas near Nabatieh, Tyre district villages and along the border region, as Israeli aircraft continued strikes throughout the day. At least three UN peacekeepers, including Indonesian personnel, were killed in separate incidents in southern Lebanon over the past day, prompting strong condemnation from the United Nations.
Hezbollah fighters have maintained defensive positions across parts of southern Lebanon, engaging Israeli forces in ground clashes while launching intermittent rocket barrages toward northern Israel. Israeli authorities said most of the rockets were intercepted or caused limited damage, though sirens continued to sound in several northern communities.
The Lebanese army has largely stayed out of direct confrontation but has suffered its own losses in recent strikes.
More than one million Lebanese remain displaced, with large numbers fleeing villages near the border. Several towns in southern Lebanon remain heavily damaged or under evacuation orders, while access to medical care, electricity and basic services continues to deteriorate. Aid agencies warn that humanitarian conditions are worsening rapidly, with hospitals under strain and shortages of essential supplies reported in several southern districts.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for restraint and urged an end to military activity from Lebanese territory outside state control. He said the government was closely monitoring developments and working with international partners to prevent further escalation.
