Israeli air strikes have destroyed two bridges over the Litani River linking southern Lebanon with the rest of the country, the military says. This comes hours after the Israeli military announced it would target crossings it alleged were being utilized by the Hezbollah armed group for moving fighters and weapons. In further developments, strikes in Beirut have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and 27 injuries, indicating a broader expansion of violence beyond previously targeted southern suburbs to central Beirut.

According to the Lebanese health ministry, the ongoing conflict since March has claimed the lives of 968 individuals, including at least 111 children. The situation has intensified since Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel, prompting Israeli air strikes and ground troop engagements in southern Lebanon. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the bridges were aimed at disrupting Hezbollah's use of Lebanese state infrastructure for 'terrorist activity'.

Warnings to evacuate have compounded the displacement crisis, with reports indicating that over a million people have fled their homes, primarily in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut where Hezbollah maintains a presence. Overnight air strikes also hit regions like Zefta, demonstrating the broadening scope of the Israeli military's operations. Meanwhile, local civilians express frustration as they bear the brunt of the violence, asserting their non-affiliation with any political factions amidst growing anger towards Israeli actions.

As the strikes continue through Beirut’s neighborhoods, they disrupt daily life and instill fear among residents, with bystanders reacting to the destruction with shock and frustration, emphasizing the humanitarian toll this conflict imposes on noncombatants.