Israel's Defense Minister announced the expansion of the military ground operation in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds. The decision to escalate operations was made to combat Hezbollah's presence in the region, particularly in the Dahiyeh district in Beirut.
The Israeli military conducted nearly 20 airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Beirut, intensifying efforts to weaken the militant group. Despite the offensive, Hezbollah continued to launch rockets and drones into northern Israel, prompting retaliatory measures from the Israel Defense Forces.
Israel reiterated its stance on disarmament of Hezbollah and ensuring security along its northern border, emphasizing the need to prevent terrorist activities. The ongoing conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, with reports of children being among the victims of recent airstrikes in Lebanon.
UNICEF expressed concern over the escalating violence, highlighting the devastating impact on children in Lebanon. The toll of the conflict has been significant, with thousands of casualties reported since the hostilities intensified in mid-September.
The Israeli military confirmed the deaths of six soldiers in southern Lebanon, marking a tragic day for the troops involved in the ground operation. The loss of soldiers, including elite infantry unit members, underscores the challenges faced by Israeli forces in the conflict.
As the situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile, both Israel and Hezbollah continue to engage in military actions, raising concerns about further escalation and civilian casualties. The international community closely monitors the developments in the region, urging for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.