An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon early Saturday killed at least 10 Syrian nationals, including a woman and her two children, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said.
The strike hit Wadi al-Kfour in Nabatieh province, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Lebanon since Hezbollah and Israel began exchanging fire on Oct. 8, a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel.
Five others were wounded, two critically, the ministry reported.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the strike targeted a Hezbollah weapons depot. However, local businessman Mohammad Shoaib described the area as an “industrial and civilian area” with factories and a dairy farm.
Hussein Shahoud, uncle of three victims, said they were factory workers in their housing accommodation when hit. He denied the presence of weapons at the facility.
Hezbollah announced retaliatory rocket fire at Ayelet HaShahar in northern Israel, claiming all 10 Lebanese victims were civilians. The group typically issues death notices for its members.
Israel’s army reported 55 projectiles from Lebanon, with some falling in open areas. No injuries were reported, but the strikes caused multiple fires. Earlier, two Israeli soldiers were injured, one seriously, by a strike near Misgav Am.
The exchange comes amid heightened regional tensions. Last month, an Israeli strike in southern Beirut killed a top Hezbollah commander, while an explosion in Tehran, widely attributed to Israel, killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Hezbollah and Israel fought a six-week war in 2006 that ended in a stalemate. Since Oct. 8, Israeli strikes have killed over 500 people in Lebanon, mostly militants but including about 100 civilians. In northern Israel, 22 soldiers and 24 civilians have died from Lebanese attacks.
Tens of thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation.
AP
