Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said on Wednesday that the death toll from Israeli attacks in the country since March 2 has risen to 1,318.
Additionally, a total of 3,935 people have been wounded, according to the ministry.
Iran-backed Hezbollah said on the same day that it shot down an Israeli military helicopter with a missile.
The Lebanese military stated that it had redeployed several units of its troops stationed in the southern border region.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that it killed over 40 Hezbollah militants in air, sea and ground strikes in southern Lebanon over the past day.
The IDF also struck dozens of "terror" infrastructure sites, according to a statement by the military.
Targets hit by the Israeli air force included dozens of headquarters, weapons storage facilities, launch sites and anti-tank missile positions.
Cross-border fighting has continued since March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire agreed on Nov. 27, 2024, triggering intensified Israeli air strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon.
Lebanon says death toll from Israeli attacks reaches 1,318 since March 2
Lebanon says death toll from Israeli attacks reaches 1,318 since March 2
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya described the current state of bilateral relations with China as entering a "stronger chapter" grounded in mutual respect, commitment and trust.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday, Amarasuriya emphasized the enduring friendship between the two countries and expressed confidence that the relationship is poised for even greater stability.
"We've had a long standing relationship. And this is a new chapter. And I think a stronger chapter, because I only see the relationship getting stronger, becoming stronger, because the thinking process is aligned, the vision is more aligned, and the strategies are more aligned. So, this relationship, I am confident, will continue to be an example of what a good, strong bilateral relationship [is] -- one that is based on mutual respect and commitment and trust, and what it can deliver for both countries," she said.
Her remarks build on assurances made during her October 2025 visit to Beijing, when President Xi Jinping underscored the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and pledged support for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and independence. At that time, both sides highlighted the relationship as a model of friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation, with Sri Lanka reaffirming its adherence to the one-China principle.
While the earlier discussions centered on Belt and Road projects and China’s global initiatives, Amarasuriya’s latest comments mark a shift toward strategic alignment, stressing shared vision and coordinated pathways.
Sri Lanka PM highlights stronger chapter in China ties built on trust, shared vision
Sri Lanka PM highlights stronger chapter in China ties built on trust, shared vision
