Heavy casualties reported during ongoing ground operations against Hezbollah, as cross-border clashes continue despite international calls for a ceasefire.
The Israeli military has acknowledged that 48 of its officers and soldiers were wounded over the past 24 hours during intense fighting in southern Lebanon, highlighting the mounting cost of its ground campaign against Hezbollah.
The admissions come as Israeli forces push deeper into Lebanese territory, encountering stiff resistance from the Iran-backed group. According to reports citing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the injuries occurred amid clashes along the border region, where Israeli troops have been conducting operations aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Israeli positions, including drone strikes and anti-tank ambushes, which have inflicted casualties on advancing forces. The Lebanese group has described the operations as part of its continued resistance to Israeli incursions.
Increasing casualties on both sides:
The latest figure brings the total number of Israeli soldiers wounded in the Lebanon theatre to over 300 since the escalation began earlier this year, according to Israeli sources. Separate reports also indicate recent fatalities, including four soldiers killed in a single clash earlier in the week.
On the Lebanese side, health authorities and local officials have reported more than 1,000 deaths from Israeli strikes and ground operations since early March, with civilian areas frequently hit. The United Nations has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation, including the displacement of tens of thousands of Lebanese residents from border villages.
The fighting has also raised tensions with the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, following incidents involving Israeli operations near UN positions.
Ongoing cross-border hostilities:
Despite diplomatic efforts and repeated calls from the United Nations, the United States and European countries for de-escalation, clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border have continued. Hezbollah has vowed to maintain pressure on Israeli forces as long as operations in Lebanon persist, while Israel maintains that its actions are necessary to neutralise threats from the group.
The Israeli military has not provided details on the severity of the latest injuries or the specific incidents involved. However, previous statements have described a mix of light, moderate and serious wounds from rocket fire, drones and direct engagements.
As the conflict enters a new phase of ground operations, questions are growing over the strategic objectives, the potential for further escalation, and the prospects for a political resolution. Both sides have shown little sign of backing down, raising fears of a wider regional war involving Iran and its allies.
Human rights organisations have urged all parties to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law amid the rising death toll.