Israel launched a series of strikes across Lebanon in the past 24 hours, resulting in a devastating toll on civilian life. The Lebanese health ministry reported that 37 people were killed and 151 wounded in these attacks.

Israel has defended its actions, with an IDF spokesman accusing Hezbollah of using the crossing to transport military equipment into Lebanon. However, no evidence was provided to support these claims.

The conflict took a new turn when Lebanon entered the fray directly. Two Lebanese army soldiers were killed in what appears to be the first instance of Lebanese military forces engaging Israeli troops since the outbreak of hostilities.

As the situation intensifies, Israel has expanded its evacuation orders north of the U.N. buffer zone, signalling potential plans for further military operations in the region.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi landed in Beirut on Friday, according to Lebanese state media. Araqchi is set to meet Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and speaker of parliament Nabih Berri.