Israeli air strikes across southern and central Lebanon has continued, killing multiple civilians and damaging key infrastructure, even as diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire appeared to intensify.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun held separate discussions with United States officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing hope for a halt in hostilities.
Trump reiterated his support for Lebanon and emphasized a commitment to achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible, according to statements released after the calls.
Israeli media reports indicated that the military had been instructed to prepare for a potential ceasefire, though neither Israeli nor Lebanese officials confirmed a timeline for its implementation.
Israeli strikes hit several locations, including the Qasmiyeh Bridge in Tyre, which was severely damaged and effectively split, according to the Lebanese army.
The attack killed one person, wounded two others, and injured a soldier stationed nearby.
Additional strikes in Saadiyat killed a woman and wounded two children, while an air raid in Deir Qanoun Ras al-Ain left two people dead.
Lebanese authorities described the bridge strike as part of ongoing aggression aimed at isolating southern regions from the rest of the country.
The destruction is expected to worsen humanitarian conditions, with more than one million people already displaced and tens of thousands remaining south of the Litani River.
Efforts to advance negotiations have exposed divisions within Lebanon, particularly with Hezbollah criticizing direct talks with Israel.
A senior Hezbollah official described the negotiations as a “grave error” and urged the government to halt what he called concessions.
Despite these tensions, international actors have continued to call for de-escalation.
British Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer said, “There must be a ceasefire,” while also supporting ongoing diplomatic engagement.
The United States has sought to pressure Israel to limit its operations, though Israeli leadership has indicated that military actions would continue.
The situation reflects a widening gap between escalating violence on the ground and uncertain diplomatic progress.