Israeli forces significantly ramped up military operations across Gaza City and south Lebanon over the weekend, resulting in numerous casualties and escalating tensions in the region.
Escalation in Gaza
In Gaza, an Israeli air strike targeting a camp for displaced people west of Gaza City on Saturday left at least six Palestinians dead, including two women, and wounded 15 others. Palestinian security sources indicated that drones fired two missiles directly at a tent within the camp, leaving several victims in serious condition.
This incident is part of a broader recent trend of intensified air strikes across the Gaza Strip, with Israeli forces targeting residential homes, tents sheltering displaced persons, and various gatherings. According to Gaza-based health authorities, hospitals received five bodies and treated 49 wounded individuals over the preceding 48 hours.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise. Reports indicate that 951 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, bringing the total death toll to 72,961 since October 7, 2023.
Strikes in South Lebanon
Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted approximately 150 Hezbollah military infrastructure sites in south Lebanon over the weekend, including rocket launchers, command centers, and weapons depots.
On Saturday, at least 14 people were killed in attacks across south Lebanon, including three Lebanese army personnel. The Lebanese army confirmed that the soldiers were killed while patrolling in a vehicle in the Nabatieh area. While the IDF has launched an investigation, stating the vehicle was in an active combat zone and that their targets are Hezbollah rather than the Lebanese army, the incident has drawn sharp criticism.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned the attack, labeling it a "gross violation" of Lebanon's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Broadening Impact in Lebanon
Other strikes across the region further increased the casualty count. In the town of Saksakiyeh in the Sidon district, six people were killed. Additional fatalities were reported on the Deir al-Zahrani highway, in the town of Harouf, and in Jouaiya. In Abbassiyeh, an assistant nurse identified as Ali Samadi was killed on a motorcycle.
The Israeli military has also issued evacuation orders for several villages and towns within the Ansariyeh and Jezzine districts. According to Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center, Israeli attacks have left 3,593 people dead and 10,990 injured since March 2.
Reference(s):
Israel steps up operations in Gaza, south Lebanon over the weekend
cgtn.com
