Rescuers dig through rubble after deadly Israeli strikes in south Lebanon

Rescuers were digging through rubble after a new wave of Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 13 people, according to emergency and local reports. The attacks hit multiple areas in the south, where residents have been living amid repeated airstrikes and heightened security concerns. Rescue teams worked through the night and into the morning, searching for survivors and recovering bodies from damaged buildings.

The strikes caused extensive damage to homes and other structures, leaving debris and dust across residential neighborhoods. Firefighters and civil defense personnel used heavy equipment and hand tools to clear collapsed concrete and twisted metal. In several locations, rescuers also had to navigate blocked roads and unstable structures as they attempted to reach trapped civilians.

Health workers and local officials said the casualties included people killed in the immediate impact of the strikes, while others were injured and later succumbed to their wounds. The reported death toll was expected to rise as search operations continued and as authorities assessed damage in additional affected areas. Hospitals in the region have faced repeated surges in casualties, straining capacity as new incidents occur.

The attacks come amid ongoing cross-border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with southern Lebanon frequently targeted in the broader conflict. International observers have repeatedly warned that civilians face significant risks during periods of intensified military activity. Aid organizations and humanitarian groups have urged restraint and called for protection of civilians, while local authorities continue to coordinate emergency response efforts.

As rescue teams carry out further searches, residents in affected communities described the aftermath as chaotic and frightening, with families trying to locate missing relatives and secure safe shelter. Authorities said they are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the strikes and to compile casualty figures. The situation remains fluid, with additional assessments expected in the coming hours.