The Lebanese health ministry has confirmed that Israeli strikes on vehicles in southern Lebanon have killed at least 12 people. The attacks, which targeted cars near the village of Qlayaa, mark a significant escalation in cross-border hostilities that have intensified over recent weeks. The ministry reported that several others were wounded, with rescue teams still searching the area.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident, but it comes amid heightened tensions along the border, including exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The strikes are likely to further strain diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon urging restraint from all parties. The dead include civilians, though full details of those killed remain unclear.

Regional analysts consider this a dangerous development, as it risks drawing Lebanon further into a cycle of retaliation that could destabilise the fragile security situation in southern Lebanon.