Israeli warplanes intensified an air campaign across southern Lebanon on Friday, sending plumes of smoke over Nabatiyeh. The escalation follows a chaotic Thursday where the United States and Iran exchanged fire for a second consecutive day.
The crossfire was triggered after President Donald Trump warned Tehran it would face severe consequences for stalled negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli operations continued overnight in Marjayoun and Qlayaa, leaving streets deserted and communities devastated.
Casualties mounted significantly in Sidon and Tyre. On Thursday, an Israeli strike wounded ten hospital staff members in Tyre. This marks the third time hospitals have been damaged since the conflict began in March. Wednesday’s lethal wave targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming nearly 10,000 militants had been eliminated.
Diplomatic tracks remain deadlocked. Tehran insists any comprehensive deal must include an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel rejects these linked demands, continuing its systematic clearing of Iranian-backed forces. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 3,500 deaths and displaced approximately one million people in Lebanon.