At least nine individuals, including women and children, were killed in an Israeli strike on a village in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Ministry of Health announced.

The strikes targeted the village of Hanine, a region that has seen an escalation in cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Details regarding the specific target of the strikes were not immediately available, but the Ministry of Health confirmed the casualty count. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The deadly attack is likely to further inflame tensions in the region, with potential for wider repercussions.

Cross-border shelling and airstrikes have become a near-daily occurrence since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, has stated its support for Hamas, launching attacks against Israel in solidarity. Israel, in turn, has conducted retaliatory strikes deep into Lebanese territory.

Lebanon's National News Agency reported that the strikes on Hanine caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Local rescue teams worked to pull victims from the rubble, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the death toll could rise.

Previous incidents have seen significant casualties on both sides. International bodies have repeatedly called for de-escalation and a ceasefire, expressing concerns over the humanitarian impact of the sustained violence.

As of this report, there has been no immediate statement from Israeli authorities regarding the specific attack on Hanine, though Israel's military has previously stated its operations are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure.