Israel has intensified airstrikes and artillery attacks on southern Lebanon, killing at least 16 people and injuring many others, according to health officials and local media reports.
Reports said the attacks targeted villages and areas near the Israel-Lebanon border, causing heavy damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure.
The Israeli military said the strikes were aimed at positions allegedly used by Hezbollah fighters to launch attacks into northern Israel.
However, Lebanese officials and local residents said many of the victims were civilians, including women and children, while large numbers of people fled their homes fearing further violence.
Hezbollah said it responded by firing rockets toward Israeli territory, raising concerns that the conflict could further expand across the region.
International governments and humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the escalation and called on both sides to halt attacks in order to protect civilians.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have sharply increased since the Gaza war began, with near-daily exchanges of fire reported along the Lebanon-Israel border.