Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon kill 22 people, health ministry says
Lebanon's Health Ministry said 22 people had been killed in Israeli air strikes on villages in the south. Multiple settlement points were reported to have been targeted in the strikes. Israel said the operations targeted Hezbollah infrastructure.
Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 22 people had been killed and 35 wounded in overnight Israeli air strikes on villages in the country's south. The ministry said the death toll could rise as rescue work progressed. Extensive destruction was reported in villages around Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes had targeted Hezbollah operational centres, weapons stores and observation positions near the border. Hezbollah, in a press statement, said the militia was keeping 'all options on the table' for a response. The UNIFIL peacekeeping force called on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further civilian casualties.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reminded both sides of their obligations to protect civilians. Lebanon's government said it would request an urgent session of the UN Security Council. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs said consultations had begun with coalition partners on the risk of the conflict spreading at the regional level.
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