Hezbollah reported that its fighters inflicted casualties on a group of Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon by detonating an explosive device. The Lebanese army confirmed that Israeli forces had advanced approximately 400 meters into their territory but withdrew shortly after, marking the first official acknowledgment of the incursion.
The Israeli military has warned residents in about 50 villages and towns to evacuate north of the Awali River, approximately 60 kilometers from the border, which is significantly beyond the northern limit of a UN-designated buffer zone established after the 2006 war with Hezbollah. As the conflict escalates, hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes.
Israel has stated that it will persist in its strikes against Hezbollah until it is secure enough for the tens of thousands of displaced individuals near the Lebanon border to return. In response, Hezbollah has committed to continuing its rocket fire into Israel until a cease-fire is reached in Gaza with Hamas. Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in over 1,000 fatalities in Lebanon in the past two weeks, with nearly a quarter being women and children, according to the Health Ministry.
In light of the rising tensions in West Asia, India urged all parties to exercise restraint on Wednesday, emphasizing that the conflict should not escalate into a broader regional issue. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation and reiterated the need for the protection of civilians.