Thirty-one people, including several children, were killed yesterday—Tuesday—in major Israeli airstrikes across various areas of southern and eastern Lebanon. The BBC cited sources within the Lebanese Ministry of Health for this death toll.

These attacks followed an announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would further intensify military operations against the Lebanese armed group, Hezbollah.

The Israeli military claimed that, yesterday, it struck more than 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and member positions. This is being regarded as one of the most intense nights of bombardment since the U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was established in mid-April.

Earlier, on Monday, Netanyahu stated that he had issued orders to further escalate strikes targeting Hezbollah.

Speaking at a meeting of the Security Cabinet yesterday—Tuesday—he said, “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is conducting operations on the ground with massive forces and is seizing control of key strategic areas.” He also noted that they are “further strengthening the security zone” to protect communities along Israel’s northern border from Hezbollah attacks.

A Reuters report indicated that Israel carried out more than 120 airstrikes in Lebanon yesterday. Lebanese security sources described this as the most severe series of attacks witnessed in several weeks. Israeli forces also conducted airstrikes in the vicinity of Lebanon’s 900-year-old historic Beaufort Castle and near the country’s largest dam, the Karaoun Dam.

As a result of these attacks, the temporary ceasefire—announced on April 16—is now under threat. Iran has also alleged that the United States violated a separate ceasefire agreement by conducting strikes in the southern region of their country.

Two Lebanese security sources reported that Israeli troops have crossed the so-called “Yellow Line” and extended their operations deeper into southern Lebanon. Hezbollah stated that yesterday, they launched attacks using drones, rockets, and artillery against Israeli forces and tanks advancing toward the southern Lebanese town of Jawthar al-Sharqiyah.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that since the commencement of Israeli operations on March 2, more than 3,200 people have been killed and over 9,700 injured in the country. The World Health Organization noted that since the temporary ceasefire on April 16, more than 600 people have lost their lives in Israeli attacks.