• Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 12 people in southern Lebanon, including women and children.
• The conflict continues despite a ceasefire extended until May 17.
• Hezbollah claims to have targeted Israeli military positions in response.
• The death toll in Lebanon since March 2 has surpassed 2,600, mostly among civilians.
• Israel's military action is justified as targeting Hezbollah, though civilian casualties are high.

Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have reportedly killed at least **12 people**, including a child, in a continued escalation of violence despite a fragile ceasefire. The strikes on Friday predominantly targeted the village of Habboush in the Nabatieh district, resulting in 8 fatalities and several injuries, including children and a woman, according to Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

The Lebanese Civil Defense is actively searching rubble for survivors and remains on alert as Israeli forces conducted what has been described as a "massive set of air strikes" that devastated residential neighborhoods. Eye-witness accounts detail **dramatic destruction**, with buildings reportedly flattened and extensive damage evident across southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

Hezbollah has continued to retaliate against Israeli forces, alleging that it successfully targeted military vehicles and personnel within Lebanon. The ongoing Israeli actions have been met with claims of high civilian casualties, raising concerns over the nature of the attacks amidst claims of targeting Hezbollah, as highlighted by both Los Angeles Times and BBC.

Since the conflict reignited on **March 2**, the total death toll in Lebanon has now reached **2,618**, with the Lebanese Health Ministry confirming many victims are civilians. As of now, local reports indicate that **at least 103 health care workers** have been killed, reflecting the dire humanitarian implications of the clashes, as documented by BBC and Al Jazeera.

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that was first announced on **April 17** and extended recently, both sides have continued military engagement, complicating attempts for peaceful resolution. Statements from Israeli officials assert their military strategy targets Hezbollah's military capabilities; however, civilian areas enduring heavy bombardment contradict this to a significant extent, according to Los Angeles Times, BBC, and Al Jazeera.