14 Dead in Lebanon as Israel Extends ‘Buffer Zone’ Warning

At least 14 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, as Israel issued fresh evacuation warnings to residents in towns beyond its self-declared “buffer zone,” escalating tensions despite an ongoing ceasefire.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the strikes; which also left at least 37 people injured, marked one of the deadliest days since a US-mediated truce between Israel and Hezbollah began earlier in April. Victims reportedly included women and children.

The Israeli military said the attacks targeted Hezbollah fighters, weapons depots, and rocket launch sites, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire agreement.

In a significant escalation, Israel also warned residents of at least seven towns located north of the Litani River to evacuate immediately, extending its operational reach beyond previously defined security lines.

Hezbollah, however, rejected Israel’s claims, accusing it of repeatedly breaching the ceasefire and vowing to continue attacks against Israeli forces operating inside Lebanon and near the border.

The ongoing clashes highlight the fragility of the truce, which was intended to reduce hostilities but has instead been marred by near-daily violations from both sides.

Since the escalation of the conflict earlier in 2026, more than 2,500 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon, while cross-border attacks have also resulted in casualties on the Israeli side.

Analysts warn that continued strikes and expanding evacuation orders could further deepen the humanitarian crisis and increase the risk of a broader regional conflict.