Israel launches airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least 16 civilians

At least 16 people have been killed and 58 wounded in Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese health authorities. The victims include six members of the same family who were killed in an Israeli drone strike while attempting to flee along the Adloun Highway.

Israeli forces have expanded their bombardment across southern Lebanon, targeting residential areas, roads, and civilian infrastructure. A fighter jet also struck an apartment building in southern Beirut, marking the first such attack on the Lebanese capital in three weeks. The Israeli military has not publicly commented on the strike, which was reportedly an assassination attempt.

The United States has been pressuring Israel to avoid targeting the capital, citing concerns that the attacks could disrupt peace talks between Tel Aviv and the Lebanese government. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army reported one of its soldiers killed in an Israeli strike in the Nabatieh area.

Israel has issued displacement orders covering large parts of southern Lebanon, including Tyre and surrounding areas. Residents were told to evacuate immediately and move north of the Zahrani River. The orders have forced thousands of people to flee under threat of attack.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that Israel’s actions are placing civilians at risk and deepening a humanitarian crisis. The organization stated that the situation is expected to worsen.

Talks between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, are set to resume on Thursday with technical discussions before moving to broader negotiations in early June. However, Israeli military operations have intensified in recent days, casting doubt over the prospects for diplomacy.

Source: Al Jazeera