Israel strikes key bridge in southern Lebanon

Israel's air force struck the Qasmiya Bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, alleging that Hezbollah was using the crossing to move fighters and weapons into the south. The military said the bridge was a central route for transferring rockets and other arms used in attacks on Israeli forces and civilians, and described the strike as part of a broader campaign that 'has only just begun.' Additional airstrikes targeted command centers in the Nabatieh area as fighting intensified.

Lebanese leaders condemned the attack as a dangerous escalation and a violation of sovereignty, warning it could signal a ground invasion. President Joseph Aoun urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intervene. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized both Hezbollah for drawing Lebanon into conflict and Israel for destroying infrastructure that civilians rely on, calling the bridge strikes a disaster for the south.

The renewed hostilities began after Hezbollah resumed rocket fire earlier in March, prompting expanded Israeli air and ground operations. Israel says it has killed hundreds of Hezbollah operatives and struck thousands of targets, while Hezbollah continues to launch rockets daily. Lebanon's health ministry reports more than 1,000 people killed in the fighting, including women and children, and estimates that around one million people have been displaced.

Human rights experts warned that destroying bridges used by civilians fleeing the conflict could have catastrophic humanitarian consequences. They cautioned that isolating areas south of the Litani River may severely restrict access to food, medicine, and other essentials, raising concerns about potential violations of international law.