Israeli Airstrikes Kill 13 in Southern and Eastern Lebanon; 12 Villages Ordered to Evacuate

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 13 people and wounded more than a dozen in southern and eastern Lebanon, targeting the towns of Zellaya, Siksikiyah (al-Saksakieh district), Khirbet Selm, and Mayfadoun. The Israeli military simultaneously issued forced displacement orders for 12 villages in southern Lebanon, requiring residents to remain at least one kilometre from their homes. The attacks occurred in direct violation of the US-brokered April 16 ceasefire. Since fighting resumed on March 2, 2026, Israeli operations had killed approximately 2,700 people and displaced over 1.2 million Lebanese. Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah accused Israel of systematically destroying southern towns to prevent return of displaced populations.