Israel deployed its military into southern Lebanon on Tuesday, urging residents from over 80 villages to evacuate amid escalating tensions with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The move followed Hezbollah’s rocket attacks and drone launches towards northern Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the death of 50 individuals in Lebanon, including seven children, a Palestinian militant, and a Hezbollah intelligence official.

The revised death toll, initially reported as 52, was adjusted by the Lebanese Health Ministry to 40 before being raised to 50. Lebanon also reported 335 injuries and tens of thousands of displaced individuals, with the UN refugee agency stating that 30,000 displaced people sought refuge in collective shelters and makeshift accommodations.

Hezbollah confirmed firing rockets towards northern Israel while Israeli airstrikes damaged a building hosting Hezbollah’s media outlets. Israeli military targeted Hezbollah officials in Beirut’s southern suburbs. A senior Hezbollah figure expressed the group’s readiness for open conflict with Israel, citing the cessation of the ceasefire due to ongoing Israeli strikes.

Amid the escalating situation, Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon, prompting the Lebanese army to reposition along the border. The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon reported Israeli troops crossing the border temporarily. The conflict escalated following a previous Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, leading to a full-scale war in September 2024 and subsequent Israeli ground invasion.

Israel withdrew from most of southern Lebanon post a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November 2024 but maintained five border points. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported 397 casualties from Israeli strikes post-ceasefire before Hezbollah launched its recent offensive.

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