Death toll in Lebanon rises to 2,727 as Israeli strikes continue

Lebanon's Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes since March 2 has risen to 2,727, with 8,438 wounded.



At least five people were killed and several others wounded in a series of Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon Thursday afternoon, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported. Earlier Thursday, the agency said nine people were killed overnight.



Hezbollah said in a statement that its fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli military vehicles in the village of Chamaa with a rocket barrage. The militant group also said it struck an Israeli Merkava tank in Bint Jbeil with a drone, claiming a direct hit, and later fired artillery at responding vehicles.



The exchanges came despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect last month following weeks of cross-border fighting tied to broader regional tensions.