Israel launches “targeted ground strikes” in Lebanon: Latest updates

Israeli forces launched a “limited, localized” operation in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah on Tuesday.

The IDF carries out “targeted ground strikes” in villages near the Israeli border, targets it says pose an “imminent threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.”

Since October 8 last year, there have been almost daily firefights between Israel and Hezbollah across the border with Lebanon.

UN declaration

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has released a statement on the situation in Lebanon.

She said: “I am deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon. At least 80 children were reportedly killed and hundreds more injured in attacks last week. According to government reports, the number of people internally displaced by the violence has risen to over 1 million – including over 300,000 children.”

“Thousands of children and families are now living on the streets or in emergency shelters; many have fled their homes without basic supplies and belongings. Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating by the hour… UNICEF continues to call for an urgent cessation of hostilities.” “

More to follow