Israel intensifies military operations in southern Lebanon, causing widespread destruction
Israeli forces have intensified their military operations in southern Lebanon, causing extensive destruction in 11 villages near the border. Satellite images reveal significant damage, with many homes reduced to rubble as Israel targets Hezbollah infrastructure.
Over 1 million people have fled the area due to the bombardment, raising concerns about a potential depopulated buffer zone similar to that established along the Gaza border. Israel claims its actions aim to push Hezbollah away from the border, but lacks a long-term plan for maintaining this distance.
The conflict has also affected UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese military, with reports of casualties among both groups from Israeli strikes. International efforts for a cease-fire focus on enforcing a 2006 resolution that called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a secure zone free of Hezbollah.