32 wounded in Israeli strikes on Lebanon

The number of wounded from Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon has risen to 32, according to an updated statement from the Lebanese Health Ministry early Saturday. Among the injured are three paramedics affiliated with the Lebanese General Directorate of Civil Defense, the ministry confirmed.

The airstrikes struck the Al-Hosh area in the southern part of the coastal city of Tyre, injuring 11 people including the three first responders. In a separate earlier statement, the ministry had reported 21 injuries from an Israeli attack on the town of Maarakeh and the Al-Housh area. The two airstrikes also caused damage to the Lebanese Italian Hospital, though the facility continues to operate despite the damage.

Beirut suburbs also targeted

In a related development, Israeli warplanes carried out two airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut early Saturday. Media reports indicated continuous fighter jet activity over the area following the strikes. Footage from the scene showed significant damage to buildings, with emergency teams rushing to provide aid to the wounded.

Escalating conflict since March

Israel has subjected Lebanon to intense airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in the country's southern regions following a cross-border operation by Hezbollah on March 2. The conflict is part of a wider regional escalation that began with a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran on Feb. 28. Lebanese authorities report that more than 1,345 people have been killed and approximately 4,000 wounded in the Israeli assault since early March. The health care system remains under severe strain as hospitals struggle to treat the growing number of casualties amid ongoing attacks.