Lebanon records 31 deaths after intense Israeli attacks

Lebanon's Health Ministry said Israeli airstrikes killed 31 people and injured 40 others on Tuesday, in one of the deadliest days since Lebanon's ceasefire came into force in April.

In a statement, the ministry stated that the dead and injured included children and women, and accused Israel of carrying out "a series of massacres" in several locations in southern Lebanon.

CNN has contacted the Israeli military for comment.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that it "continues attacking Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure in southern Lebanon."

The military said its troops "eliminated Hezbollah terrorists involved in preparing attacks against IDF soldiers" and hit infrastructure used for rocket launches.

Lebanon recorded one of the most intense bombardments in recent weeks on Tuesday, with more than 120 Israeli airstrikes, Lebanese security sources said.

The attacks have further increased pressure on the fragile ceasefire, in force since April 16.

Some shelling hit areas near Beaufort Castle, a nearly 900-year-old fortress in southern Lebanon that UNESCO describes as one of the best-preserved examples of medieval castles in the region. At least three attacks also hit areas near the Qaraoun Dam, Lebanon's largest water reservoir, in the east of the country, the Lebanese National News Agency reported.

Israel is also expanding ground operations in southern Lebanon. In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military "is operating with large forces in the field and capturing and controlling areas."

*With Reuters

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Source: CNN