Israeli airstrikes kill 31, wound 40 in southern Lebanon

At least 31 people were killed and 40 injured in Israeli airstrikes Tuesday in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The strikes targeted the towns of Burj al-Shamali, Kawthariyet El Riz, Habboush, Maarakeh and Selaa. Lebanon’s state news agency NNA reported that at least 10 people were killed, including women and children, in a single strike on Burj al-Shamali. The outlet also reported at least three airstrikes near the Qaraoun Dam in eastern Lebanon, home to the country’s largest water reservoir. The strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to intensify attacks against Hezbollah over the group’s drone strikes against Israeli forces. Read: US-Iran talks 'must succeed' in interest of global and regional peace, FM Dar tells UNSC Since March 2, Israel has been conducting an expanded offensive on Lebanon, killing nearly 3,200 people, injuring over 9,600 and displacing over 1.6 million people, according to official figures. The Israeli army has continued its daily attacks despite a United States-mediated ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was later extended to early July. Lebanon-fired projectile lands in open area Early Wednesday, the Israeli army said that a projectile launched from Lebanon fell in an open area in northern Israel, with no injuries reported. Earlier, air raid sirens sounded in Kiryat Shmona and surrounding communities in northern Israel after a launch was detected from Lebanon, according to Israel’s Home Front Command. The army said it identified one projectile crossing from Lebanon before it fell in an open area. The incident came a day after Israeli media reported that more than 15 Hezbollah explosive drones struck Israel in a single day, most of them targeting military zones. Channel 12 said the Israeli military continues searching for effective ways to counter the growing drone threat after acknowledging that existing measures have yet to produce a lasting solution. US deploys F-22 fighter jets, refueling aircrafts in Israel Meanwhile, the US deployed F-22 fighter jets and dozens of refueling aircraft across military facilities and airports in Israel in what Israeli media described as an unprecedented military presence. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, citing Israeli security sources, said Washington is interested in maintaining the deployment at least through the end of the year, in addition to longstanding US military forces stationed across the Middle East. Read More: Trump links Iran deal to Abraham Accords The broadcaster said satellite imagery reviewed over recent months showed an unprecedented deployment of US fighter jets and refueling aircraft inside Israel. The analysis covered the period from the start of Israel’s attacks on Iran on February 28 through last week. According to the report, F-22 fighter jets were deployed at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, while dozens of US refueling aircraft were stationed at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports. It said the aircraft are spread across multiple locations and are not expected to be withdrawn at this stage. KAN said the deployment has raised concerns over its impact on civilian aviation and airport capacity. Israel’s Channel 12 previously reported that dozens of US refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports were already affecting airport operations and airline ticket prices. Also Read: Iran demands release of $12b in frozen assets in potential deal with US The broadcaster also cited Civil Aviation Authority Chief Shmuel Zakai as warning that Ben Gurion was being operated “as a military base rather than a civilian airport.” The report warned that continued deployment could complicate Israel’s summer travel season and discourage foreign airlines from expanding flights. KAN said the unusually large US deployment in Israel has remained intact since the ceasefire with Iran took effect last month.

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