The Israeli military announced that eight soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon amid clashes with Hezbollah fighters, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The soldiers, belonging to various commando and reconnaissance units, were engaged in ground operations when they were killed in multiple incidents. The fighting comes as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, where at least 51 people, including women and children, were killed in recent strikes. The intensifying conflict has raised concerns of a broader war involving regional powers such as Iran and the United States. Meanwhile, the first charter flight evacuating Britons from Lebanon has departed, with more flights planned as safety permits.