May 27, 2026

Israel has carried out large-scale airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern and eastern Lebanon. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the attacks killed at least 31 people, including several children. Following the strikes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that military operations against Hezbollah would be further intensified.

New Delhi: The latest escalation marks the deadliest surge in violence since a United States-brokered ceasefire went into effect in April. Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that women and children were among the casualties of the Tuesday night bombardment, which struck multiple regions across the country.

Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Positions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for striking more than 100 Hezbollah sites, which reportedly included weapons storage facilities and command centers. The military stated these locations were actively being used to launch rockets and drone attacks into Israel.

During a security cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the escalation, stating that Israel is “deepening its operations in Lebanon” and will sustain military pressure to guarantee the safety of residents in northern Israel.

Heavy Destruction in Mashghara and Bekaa Valley

The airstrikes leveled several homes in Mashghara and the Bekaa Valley in southeastern Lebanon, leaving rescue teams scrambling to search for survivors beneath the rubble. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 11 bodies—including a woman and two children—were recovered from the debris in Mashghara alone.

Among the survivors was Mohammad, a seven-year-old boy rescued alive after being trapped under concrete for hours. While Mohammad survived, the attack claimed the lives of his father and two sisters. Speaking from his hospital bed, the boy recalled the terror of being stuck beneath the debris in complete darkness.

Accusations of Ceasefire Violations

Israel accused Hezbollah of directly violating the April ceasefire agreement, citing missiles fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel on Wednesday morning. The IDF noted that those specific rocket attacks resulted in no injuries.
Hezbollah countered by stating its rocket fire targeted Israeli military installations in retaliation for the airstrikes. Both sides continue to trade blame for breaching the truce.

Strikes Near UNESCO Heritage Area
Cultural experts have raised alarms over reports that several airstrikes struck near Beaufort Castle. The nearly 900-year-old historic fortress is recognized by UNESCO as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the region

The widening conflict is deepening volatility across the Middle East. As continuous airstrikes and retaliatory rocket fire take a heavy toll on civilians, the collapse of the recent ceasefire has severely weakened hopes for lasting peace in the region.