Israeli strikes kill 51 in Lebanon

At least 51 people have been killed in a major escalation of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, casting further doubt on the viability of a recent ceasefire.

The strikes targeted dozens of villages and vehicles, with health officials reporting that two paramedics were among the deceased.

Hezbollah has responded with drone attacks on Israeli military positions near the border, leading to further casualties.

The Lebanese government has compared the devastation in southern towns to the destruction seen in Gaza, as international mediators struggle to prevent a return to full-scale war.