39 people died in Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon on Sunday, including residents of Jnah and Kfar Hatta, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The Lebanese health ministry reported that since fighting with Hezbollah escalated last month, at least 1,461 Lebanese civilians have been killed. Sunday's attacks struck areas previously considered safe, such as Ain Saadeh, a predominantly Christian town near Beirut, and the southern suburb of Dahiya where Hezbollah holds sway. Israeli forces also struck Kfar Hatta, killing at least seven people, including a 4-year-old girl and a Lebanese soldier. The Israeli military stated it hit a 'terror target' but acknowledged 'reports that several uninvolved individuals were harmed,' specifically denying that Pierre Mouawad, a Christian political figure, was a target. Residents in Ain Saadeh expressed bewilderment, stating they had no idea who or what the target was, with one survivor describing being 'under the rubble.' The attacks come days after Israel outlined plans to occupy much of southern Lebanon, even after its current ground offensive ends.

Residents in previously safe areas like Ain Saadeh and Jnah described confusion and fear following the strikes. Fadia Daher, 59, recounted hearing a loud 'bright yellow light' near her home in Ain Saadeh, a town she thought was beyond the conflict's reach. She stated she didn't believe Hezbollah fighters lived in the area. Similarly, residents in Jnah, a neighborhood in the Dahiya district, expressed shock at the attack, noting most Israeli strikes historically targeted Shiite Muslim areas. The death of Pierre Mouawad, a Lebanese Forces official, further fueled suspicion, though the Israeli military explicitly denied targeting him, stating it was still investigating the circumstances. George Sabbagha, 59, whose home was destroyed in Ain Saadeh, declared his desire for revenge, stating, 'I want to crush him,' reflecting the deep anger and confusion gripping the population.

The intensity of Sunday's attacks underscores the widening scope of Israel's military campaign in Lebanon. While Israel claims its strikes target Hezbollah infrastructure, the bombing of areas like Ain Saadeh and Jnah, long considered safe havens, raises questions about the precision of its targeting and the potential for increased civilian casualties. The Lebanese government has repeatedly condemned the strikes, highlighting the humanitarian toll and the displacement of thousands. As Israel prepares for a potential long-term presence in southern Lebanon, the safety of even the most remote towns remains uncertain, leaving residents like Sabbagha and Daher in a state of fear and seeking answers about who is responsible for the violence that shattered their sense of security.