• At least seven people killed and 26 injured in Israeli airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburbs.
• Israeli military intensifies attacks targeting Hezbollah strongholds and areas outside its control.
• Hezbollah claims to have conducted 51 retaliatory strikes against Israeli positions.

Israeli airstrikes in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut early Wednesday resulted in the death of at least seven people and injured 26 others. Witnesses reported explosions across the Lebanese capital as Israeli warplanes targeted the area, which is known to be a stronghold for Hezbollah. Amid the offensive, the Lebanese Health Ministry indicated that the attacks have left a significant death toll, with over 1,268 casualties since the beginning of hostilities in early March according to reports from AA and Al Jazeera.

Israeli forces have conducted extensive air and ground operations in Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. Strikes have not only targeted Hezbollah strongholds but also hit civilian infrastructure, including a building near the Beirut airport, which resulted in collateral damage and casualties among health workers. Reports indicate that ongoing Israeli assaults have rendered many areas uninhabitable, impacting over one million people within Lebanon, as cited by BBC and AA.

In retaliation, Hezbollah claims to have conducted 51 attacks targeting various Israeli settlements and military infrastructure, asserting that these actions are taken in defense of Lebanon. The group reported damage inflicted on properties within Kiryat Shmona, and stated that they will continue their operations in light of increased Israeli aggression, as mentioned in statements from AA and AA.

The current situation has led to fears of a prolonged conflict, as Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared intentions to maintain control over significant territories in southern Lebanon to establish a buffer zone. Observers note that this strategy could mirror past Israeli occupations, raising concerns of further human rights violations and displacement among the Lebanese population, according to information gathered from BBC and AA.