Day 89 of Iran-Israel conflict: Israeli airstrikes kill 31 in Lebanon as ceasefire tensions mount
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Tuesday killed at least 31 people and wounded 40. Iran accused the United States of violating the ceasefire and warned Gulf states against hosting U.S. military bases.
On Tuesday (May 27), Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon killed at least 31 people and wounded 40. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes and issued a wave of evacuation orders for towns and villages in the south and east. Panicked residents fled the targeted areas, while Israeli infantry reportedly advanced deeper into Lebanese territory, raising fears of a large-scale military operation.
In Iran, officials condemned the United States for what they called a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement following strikes on southern Iran on Monday, arguing the airstrikes had further damaged already fragile diplomatic efforts. On this matter, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran is pushing for the release of $24 billion in frozen assets under ongoing negotiations, with half of the funds expected to be unfrozen after an initial agreement is signed.
Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in an Eid al-Adha message, warned Gulf states against allowing the U.S. to use military bases on their territory to attack Iran. He also asserted that the United States is losing influence in the Middle East. In another notable development, internet access in Iran has begun to be gradually restored after the most extensive and prolonged nationwide block on record, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a peace deal with Iran remains within reach despite the new U.S. strikes. He insisted the airstrikes were defensive, targeting missile launchers and vessels attempting to lay mines, and rejected accusations of violating the truce. China called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and resolve disputes through diplomacy.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of "more action" in Lebanon, declaring that Israeli forces are "tightening" operations inside Lebanese territory, with troops "seizing and controlling" territory and expanding a "security zone." He also said Israel is stepping up efforts against Hezbollah drones and vowed the fight would continue "until the absolute safety of Israeli citizens is ensured." Israel's Kan radio reported an "unprecedented" deployment of U.S. fighter jets and refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports, affecting civilian aviation capacity. These aircraft remain in Israel despite the ceasefire with Iran.
In the United States, Democratic Senator Cory Booker criticized President Donald Trump's strategy toward Iran, arguing the conflict has strengthened Tehran's position and given it greater leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. Booker said the U.S. is now in a "worse" position than before the war and accused Trump of leading America into a costly stalemate.
In Lebanon, security analyst Ali Rizk told Al Jazeera that Israel's escalating military campaign reflects growing concerns about Hezbollah's battlefield recovery and reveals increasing domestic political pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu. Al Jazeera correspondent Obaida Hitto, reporting from Tyre in southern Lebanon, said the sharp escalation in Israeli attacks indicates that diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict have failed. Large-scale strikes targeted eastern Lebanon, including areas near the strategic Qaraoun Dam, while evacuation orders spread across dozens of towns and villages. Hitto said residents once again face the "brutally familiar reality" of widespread destruction, displacement, and fear.
