BEIRUT: A severe wave of Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon has killed at least 31 people, including several children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The bombardment follows a directive from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intensify military operations against Hezbollah, placing the fragile, US-brokered ceasefire under severe strain.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking more than 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and operational targets overnight. The military characterized the operation as one of the heaviest air campaigns since the cessation of hostilities was instituted in mid-April.

Expanded Military Operations and Strategic Targets

In a security cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is deepening its ground and air operations to establish a fortified security zone.

"The IDF is operating with large forces on the ground and seizing dominant terrain," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing the objective to secure northern Israeli communities from cross-border attacks.

The renewed offensive follows Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel would aggressively counter Hezbollah’s deployment of advanced weaponry, including fiber-optic drones capable of bypassing aerial defense systems.

The strikes targeted nearly 50 distinct locations, including:

• The Bekaa Valley: Severe damage was reported in the village of Mashghara, where local officials described widespread destruction of residential areas and commercial properties.

• Southern Lebanon: Strikes hit Burj al-Shamali, Arab Salim, and Kauthariyet El Rez, resulting in multiple civilian casualties.

• Cultural Heritage Sites: National media reported strikes near the historic Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old medieval fortress recognized by UNESCO.

The escalation triggered mass evacuations in Beirut’s southern suburbs—a prominent Hezbollah stronghold—as residents fled the capital's outskirts following the Israeli declarations.

Casualties and Ground Realities

The humanitarian toll continues to rise. In Mashghara, rescue teams recovered 11 bodies from the rubble of destroyed homes, including a woman and two children, while retrieving survivors from collapsed structures.

Conversely, the IDF released aerial surveillance footage of the strikes in Mashghara, asserting that the operations successfully neutralized Hezbollah fighters and dismantled infrastructure where militant activity had been identified. Overnight targets reportedly included:

• 90 weapons storage facilities

• Command and control centers

• Tactical observation posts

Cross-Border Friction and Ceasefire Status

The conflict has seen persistent violations from both parties since the truce officially took effect on April 17. On Wednesday morning, the IDF reported that a projectile launched from Lebanon fell into an open area in northern Israel, triggering warning sirens but causing no injuries.

The IDF issued fresh evacuation orders for residents in parts of Lebanon, with Arabic-language spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee citing repeated ceasefire breaches by Hezbollah as the catalyst for the renewed offensive.

In response, Hezbollah announced it had targeted three military barracks and an army post in northern Israel, framing the rocket and drone launches as a direct retaliation to Israeli violations.

Documented Casualties (Since March 2)

The intensifying combat threatens to derail ongoing, highly complex diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran aimed at securing a permanent resolution to the conflict.