• Israel strikes Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, escalating military operations.
• Bridges destroyed to prevent reinforcements, with civilian casualties reported.
• Ongoing conflict has resulted in over 1,300 deaths in Lebanon.

The Israeli military has intensified its assault on "Hezbollah infrastructure" in Beirut, launching fresh strikes after destroying a bridge in eastern Lebanon. This military action aims to prevent reinforcements for Hezbollah, which has been engaged in conflict with Israel since March 2, when it retaliated to a US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Witnesses reported hearing two loud explosions in the capital early Saturday, with smoke observed billowing from one of the locations targeted by airstrikes, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

Subsequent to the destruction of the bridge connecting Sohmor and Mashghara, Israeli forces conducted additional strikes, affecting the town's center, where reports indicated at least two casualties and numerous injuries when worshippers were leaving a mosque after Friday prayers. Overall, Lebanese authorities have reported that more than 1,300 individuals have perished in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact underscored by local media coverage, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

Amidst the turmoil, local residents in Beirut continue to engage in their cultural and religious practices, demonstrating resilience. Christian worshippers marked Good Friday at Saint Maroun Church, with community members expressing a firm commitment to uphold traditions despite the bombardments. Patricia Haddad, one of the churchgoers, remarked, "We got used to it, unfortunately," capturing the prevailing atmosphere of fear and endurance among residents as strikes have reportedly reached over 3,500 targets across Lebanon since the conflict escalated last month, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

Additionally, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported injuries among peacekeepers due to blasts at its positions. These incidents underscore the precarious security situation in the region, with the UN noting that 97 peacekeepers have lost their lives since the force's establishment in 1978. As hostilities continue to escalate, UNIFIL’s presence remains critical, although its mandate is set to expire at the end of this year, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.