Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Martyr Dozens, Rescue Workers Among Dead

Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Martyr Dozens, Rescue Workers Among Dead
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Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Tuesday have martyred and wounded numerous civilians and first responders, Lebanese authorities and international media report.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, an Israeli strike on the town of Jwaya in the Tyre District martyred at least two civilians and wounded 22 others, including five children. Another separate strike on Majdal Zoun — also in southern Lebanon — resulted in at least nine deaths, including three Civil Defence rescuers, and 17 injuries as rescuers were hit while aiding victims, the ministry said. Lebanese army officials also reported that two soldiers were wounded while accompanying rescue teams. Local media further reported that Israeli strikes hit Tair Diba, martyring three women, including a child, and injuring 11 people.

Civil Defence units have been digging through rubble to reach three people still trapped under collapsed buildings, authorities said, as infrastructure damage and the intensity of strikes have complicated rescue operations.

The spate of attacks in the south comes amid a broader escalation of violence since March 2026, when conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah intensified. The United Nations and Lebanese officials have previously warned that Israeli strikes that hit civilians and medical workers may constitute violations of international humanitarian law.

In response to the latest strikes, Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli positions with drones and rockets, part of ongoing cross‑border hostilities. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly described the Lebanese front as fragile and warned of attempts to influence negotiations with Lebanon.