Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that at least 39 people were killed in intensified Israeli airstrikes, including seven in the southern city of Saksakiyeh. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the attacks targeted Hezbollah positions and acknowledged awareness of civilian casualties. The strikes occurred despite a ceasefire announced on April 16, 2026, by U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and Lebanon.

According to the ministry, Israeli attacks have killed more than 120 people across Lebanon in the past week, including women and children. The IDF stated that its operations aimed to eliminate Hezbollah-linked infrastructure and personnel, while Hezbollah continued launching drone and rocket attacks into northern Israel. Human rights groups warned that some incidents could amount to war crimes.

Lebanese officials said Israel has occupied about 10 kilometers of southern Lebanese territory, seeking to create a “Hezbollah-free security zone.” Since March 2, 2026, a total of 2,795 people have been killed in Lebanon, while Israel reported 17 soldiers and three civilians dead on its side.