Israel strikes bridge over Litani River in Lebanon

The Israeli military conducted an air strike on the Zrariyeh bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, marking the first acknowledgment by Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure in its ongoing campaign against Hezbollah. The military claimed that the bridge was utilized by Hezbollah militants for movement between northern and southern Lebanon, although no evidence was provided to support this assertion (Primary Source). The air strike is part of a broader military operation that has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement. According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed at least 72 people and wounded 437 since the renewed assault began on Monday. The death toll in Lebanon has surpassed 300 since the conflict escalated on February 28, 2026, following retaliatory actions by Hezbollah in response to the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei (The Hindu, Middle East Eye). Reports indicate that over 83,000 individuals have been displaced due to the violence, with many seeking refuge in official shelters (Middle East Eye). In response to the escalating conflict, Israel has issued large-scale evacuation orders for southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut, leading to heavy traffic congestion as civilians attempt to flee the affected areas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimate that more than 300,000 Lebanese civilians have evacuated their villages in southern Lebanon due to the ongoing bombardment (The Hindu, Al Jazeera). The humanitarian situation has been described as dire, with the UN refugee agency declaring a major humanitarian emergency in West Asia (The Hindu). The Israeli military's operations have expanded into various regions of Lebanon, particularly targeting Hezbollah strongholds. Recent air raids have resulted in additional casualties, including at least 12 people killed and 33 wounded in the town of Nabi Chit in the eastern Bekaa Valley (Middle East Eye). The conflict continues to escalate, with significant casualties reported on both sides as fighting persists.