Israeli Airstrikes Leave Dozens Dead in Lebanon Amid Easter Observances

Multiple Israeli air raids struck Beirut and southern Lebanon on Sunday, killing at least 11 people including a four-year-old child and injuring dozens more, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The attacks occurred as Lebanese Christians observed Easter, marking one of the deadliest days since border fighting intensified last month.

Seven people were killed in the southern village of Kfarhata, while four died and 39 were wounded in Beirut’s Jnah neighbourhood. State media reported eight separate airstrikes on the southern suburbs of the capital. The Lebanese army confirmed one soldier was also killed in southern Lebanon.

The escalation follows Israeli warnings targeting the Masnaa border crossing with Syria, which Israel claims is being used by Hezbollah. The Israeli military has conducted widespread strikes across southern Lebanon and deeper into the country in an effort to establish a security zone extending up to 30 kilometres from the border.

Humanitarian impacts have been severe, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting 1,461 deaths in Israeli attacks since the conflict began. Over one million people have been displaced, yet many residents, including around 9,000 Lebanese Christians in southern border towns, have remained in their homes despite evacuation orders.

More than 400 Hezbollah fighters are reported to have been killed since late March, while Israeli authorities say at least 10 of their troops have died in southern Lebanon during the same period. The cycle of attacks and counterattacks continues to keep border regions under constant pressure.

The timing of the strikes during Easter observances has drawn widespread condemnation and heightened concerns about civilian casualties during religious holidays.

Businesses and humanitarian organisations operating in the region are assessing the growing risks to operations and supply chains amid the intensified conflict. The situation remains highly volatile with no immediate signs of de-escalation.

The latest airstrikes have further complicated efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and have raised fresh concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

Overall, the deadly attacks during Easter have underscored the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to prevent further loss of life in the region.

Mintesinot Nigussie