At least 31 people, including several children, have been killed in a wave of intensive Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The strikes targeted areas near the Beaufort Castle and the Bekaa Valley.

The Israeli military claimed to have hit more than 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and fighters, in what is described as one of the heaviest nights of bombardment since a US-brokered ceasefire took effect on April 17.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly stated on Monday that he had ordered the military to 'press the pedal even harder' against Hezbollah. On Tuesday, he purportedly said Israel is 'deepening our operation in Lebanon' and 'fortifying the security zone' to protect northern communities.

The ceasefire has been repeatedly violated by both sides. Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire continue daily, while Hezbollah launches rockets and drones at northern Israel and Israeli troops occupying parts of southern Lebanon.

In the village of Mashghara, several homes were destroyed. Rescue workers pulled 11 bodies from the rubble, including a woman and two children. A seven-year-old boy, Mohammad, was rescued after hours under debris; his father and two sisters were killed in the strike.

Netanyahu's remarks sparked panic in Beirut's southern suburbs, with thousands of families fleeing. The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders, accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire. Hezbollah claimed it attacked three military posts in northern Israel in response.

The conflict, which began on March 2, has resulted in at least 23 Israeli soldiers killed and over 3,185 deaths in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Source: www.bbc.com