Israel hammers Lebanon with strikes, killing 22

AI Summary

In a continued escalation, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Lebanon that resulted in 22 reported deaths, including multiple children. This military action comes ahead of upcoming discussions meant to address the tensions between Lebanon and Israel, complicated by Hezbollah's opposition.

Lebanon's health ministry said 22 people including eight children were killed on Wednesday as Israel intensified strikes on the country, with several deadly raids hitting south of Beirut. The state-run National News Agency (NNA) said Israeli airstrikes had pounded around 40 locations in Lebanon's south and east. The fresh raids came on the eve of a new round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington brokered by the United States, as Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah remains strongly opposed to the move.