Lebanon says Israeli strikes kill 18 as Israel says four soldiers killed by Hezbollah

Lebanon reported that Israeli airstrikes killed 18 people on June 12, 2024, escalating cross-border hostilities. This incident followed an announcement by Israel that four of its soldiers had been killed by Hezbollah attacks. The heightened tensions occur one day after the United States and Iran reportedly finalized a deal to de-escalate their conflict, which includes the ongoing fighting in Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed the casualty figures, attributing the deaths to targeted Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, in turn, claimed responsibility for launching rockets and missiles at military sites in northern Israel, stating their actions were in retaliation for the civilian deaths. The situation remains volatile, with international bodies urging restraint from all parties involved.