Israel carries out widespread strikes in southern Lebanon

Israel conducted a large wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon, targeting what it said were Hezbollah positions and infrastructure. The strikes reportedly hit towns and villages, and Israel also ordered the evacuation of about 50 locations. Reports indicate a senior Hamas financial official and a top Hezbollah leader were killed in the attacks.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group, is the primary target of the strikes. The Israeli military also issued a threat to strike ambulances in Lebanon if they are used by Hezbollah. The fighting has involved cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah for months.

The strikes are part of an ongoing, intense conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel has stated the operations aim to push Hezbollah forces back from the border, following attacks originating from Lebanese territory.