Sources on the ground confirm that Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon have killed at least 13 people, among them paramedics responding to an earlier attack. The strikes, which hit a civil defence centre and a residential building, mark a dangerous escalation in the simmering conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The dead include four medics from the Islamic Health Authority, a Hezbollah-affiliated organisation.
Witnesses describe scenes of chaos as rescue workers pulled bodies from rubble. This comes after a rocket attack from Lebanon injured several Israeli soldiers. The cycle of retaliation is well-worn but this time the body count is rising fast.
Documents obtained by this newsroom suggest the Israeli military had warning of the target location but struck regardless. Denials and deflections will follow. The cost in human life is mounting.
The region holds its breath.
