At least 18 individuals have been killed in southern Lebanon following a series of Israeli air strikes conducted overnight, the Lebanese health ministry has confirmed. The bombardment, described by Lebanon's state news agency as among the most intense of the ongoing conflict, also left 33 people injured and damaged several buildings across the Nabatieh district. Concurrently, the Israeli military announced that four of its soldiers were killed in an ambush by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
These significant casualties come just a day after the United States and Iran signed an agreement intended to de-escalate tensions and achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, including within Lebanon. The deal specifically calls for an end to fighting on all fronts and respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity. However, Israel has indicated it has no intention of withdrawing its forces from Lebanon, asserting that its conflict with Hezbollah is distinct from the broader agreement with Iran.
The region has been gripped by conflict since Lebanon was drawn into hostilities shortly after the wider war began, with Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel following a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with a bombing campaign across Lebanon and the occupation of approximately 5% of the country's southern territory, aiming to push Hezbollah fighters away from its northern border. According to Lebanon's health ministry, the latest conflict has resulted in at least 3,912 deaths, including women and children, and 11,699 injuries. Around a million people remain displaced, with dozens of southern communities reportedly destroyed.
Hezbollah has pledged to continue its attacks as long as the Israeli presence in Lebanon persists. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to maintain military operations against the armed group. This stance could put him at odds with US President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticised Israel's actions in Lebanon. Responding to the deaths of the four Israeli soldiers, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir controversially stated that "all of Lebanon must burn," adding that Israel's security should not be subject to bargaining.
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict and volatile security situation. British nationals in Lebanon are urged to monitor local media, follow the advice of local authorities, and consider leaving if it is safe to do so. The escalation raises serious questions about the viability of the US-Iran deal and the prospects for regional stability.