At least four killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Four people lost their lives and 20 were injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Sunday, according to the country's Health Ministry. Fighting along the southern border intensified once more, with the military claiming it targeted Hezbollah's positions in response to explosive drones launched from Lebanon. However, Israel reported no casualties.

The strikes resulted in two fatalities and two injuries in Nabatieh Al Fawqa, while eight individuals were injured, including a woman and a child, in Al Rahibat neighbourhood of Nabatieh. Two were killed and six injured, including two children, in Arab Salim, and four were injured in Kfar Reman. The ministry cautioned that the casualty figures were preliminary and may increase as emergency teams evaluate the aftermath of the strikes.

Earlier this week, the Israeli military initiated a bombing campaign in Lebanon outside the designated "security zone," just hours after claiming to have eliminated Hezbollah fighters from the strategic Ali Al Taher ridge. Five people died and 24 were injured across five locations in southern Lebanon, marking the first casualties since a ceasefire was declared in June. The ridge had been a contentious point in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, despite the ceasefire.

Hezbollah denied reports of Iranian personnel being present at the Ali Al Taher ridge and downplayed its importance. Israel maintained that the strikes targeted weapons storage facilities intended for Hezbollah use. Since March 2, Lebanon's health authorities have reported over 4,300 fatalities resulting from Israeli strikes.