Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill 31 as Ceasefire Talks Continue

Israeli forces carried out strikes across eastern and southern Lebanon on Tuesday that killed 31 people and wounded 40 others, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The strikes hit areas including Mashghara in the Bekaa region, the Qaraoun Dam and parts of Nabatieh city, where residential buildings were also struck. Israeli displacement orders were issued for dozens of towns and villages, officials said.

The escalation came as Israeli ground forces pushed deeper into southern Lebanon. Hezbollah said it launched 32 attacks on Israeli forces deployed in the area.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal of the operations was to secure communities in northern Israel.

Strikes and displacement orders

The latest strikes included attacks in and around Mashghara and a separate strike further north that targeted the Qaraoun Dam, described as strategic in the source material. Additional strikes followed a displacement order covering Nabatieh city, where strikes hit residential buildings.

Officials said the displacement orders issued Tuesday covered dozens of towns and villages. The source material also reported that, in several locations, rescue workers were blocked from approaching collapsed buildings.

Diplomacy and regional fallout

The intensified fighting unfolded as diplomatic efforts continued to pursue a ceasefire. US Secretary of State Rubio said “specific language” for a deal was being discussed in Qatar and that the process would likely take several days.

Separately, Iran began to see a gradual restoration of internet access nationwide after web monitors reported a near-total blackout during the conflict, according to the source material.

Officials and diplomats did not provide a timeline for any agreement, and developments on the ground in Lebanon remained fluid. Further updates are expected as talks continue and as both sides report additional operations.