BEIRUT — The Lebanese health minister confirmed on Saturday that the death toll from Friday’s Israeli airstrike on a southern suburb of Beirut has risen to 31.

Minister Firas Al-Abiad labeled the attack as a "war crime," highlighting the severe impact on civilians.

Among the victims, Al-Abiad reported that seven women and three children, aged four, six, and ten, were killed, along with three Syrian nationals.

The aftermath of the strike has left numerous unidentified body parts at the scene, complicating the identification process for many victims.

"The war on Lebanon continues, and we are preparing to confront its repercussions," Al-Abiad stated during a news conference.

He also noted that 68 individuals injured in the attack were transferred to 12 hospitals across Beirut. Of these, 53 have since been discharged, while 15 remain under medical care, including two individuals in critical condition.

The Israeli army claimed responsibility for the airstrike, stating it targeted Hezbollah’s top military commander, Ibrahim Aqil, along with several senior commanders from the group’s elite Radwan Force. This incident marks the third attack by Israel on the southern suburb amid a prolonged period of hostilities that has escalated over the past year.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Thursday that the conflict with Hezbollah has entered “a new phase,” indicating a heightened level of military engagement in the region. — Agencies