At least 4,362 killed since Israel began offensive in Lebanon on March 2

At least 4,362 people have been killed and 12,378 wounded since Israel launched its offensive against Lebanon on March 2, according to Lebanon’s Emergency Operations Center at the Health Ministry. The campaign has focused particularly on the country’s south.

The latest figures came as Israeli strikes on the southern city of Nabatieh killed at least four people and wounded 20 others. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks and warned of a “dangerous escalation.”

Israel said its forces were responding to two drones launched by Hezbollah against Israeli soldiers operating in the so-called Security Zone in southern Lebanon. Israel said it had shot down one of the drones.

The Lebanese ministry also gave a cumulative toll for the violence between Hezbollah and Israel, saying 8,929 people had been killed and 30,614 wounded since Oct. 8, 2023. The conflict began after the Gaza war erupted and later paused under a Washington-mediated ceasefire agreement in November 2024, though both sides have been accused of violating it.

Lebanon and Israel have held several rounds of negotiations in recent months without Hezbollah’s participation. A framework agreement reached in June calls for Israel to withdraw gradually from areas it occupies in southern Lebanon, provided that Hezbollah disarms.

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dangerous escalation