Israel bombards south Lebanon as ceasefire talks continue

Israel intensified airstrikes, drone attacks and the use of machine‑gun fire across southern Lebanon, targeting towns such as Mansuri, Kfar Tebnit, Baalbek, Bint Jbeil and the forest of Ali al‑Taher. The operations included the burning of homes and the advance of tanks toward Birkat al‑Hammam. Lebanese health authorities report at least one civilian injured in the latest round of strikes, while overall casualties since the conflict escalated on 2 March total about 4,321 dead and 12,204 wounded.

The attacks occur as Lebanon and Israel prepare for a new round of cease‑fire negotiations slated for 15‑16 July in Rome. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon described the situation in the south as fragile and pledged to reinforce its operations to curb the violence.