In a significant escalation despite the standing ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes targeted eastern and southern Lebanon on Friday (February 20), killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more.

Among the dead is a senior Hezbollah official, according to local sources and the Israeli military.

Deadly Strikes in Bekaa Valley
The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the heaviest bombardment occurred in the Bekaa Valley.

At least 10 people were killed and over 25 wounded when Israeli jets struck what they described as a "Hezbollah command center" in the Baalbek area.

Hezbollah-affiliated media confirmed that Hussein Yaghi, a senior commander and son of former Hezbollah lawmaker Mohamed Yaghi, was killed in the Bekaa strikes. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday.

Attack on Ain al-Hilweh Refugee Camp
Earlier on Friday, an Israeli drone strike hit the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the largest of its kind in Lebanon.

Casualties: At least two people were killed and several others injured in the Hittin neighborhood.

Conflicting Claims: The Israeli military claimed the target was a "Hamas command center."

However, Hamas and local security sources stated the building belonged to the Joint Security Force, a body responsible for maintaining order within the camp, and described the strike as a "brutal aggression against civilians."

Fragile Ceasefire Strained
These attacks are the deadliest in weeks and represent a severe test for the US-brokered ceasefire reached in November 2024.

While the truce aimed to end over a year of cross-border hostilities, Israel has continued regular strikes, citing violations and attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild its military infrastructure.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that hospitals in the Bekaa region are struggling to treat the influx of wounded, issuing urgent appeals for blood donations.