SEAToday.com, Istanbul - Israeli forces on Saturday ( 10/26) dropped phosphorus bombs on a number of villages in Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon, accompanied by airstrikes on villages in Tyre that caused many fires.

As previously reported by Anadolu, the Lebanese National News Agency stated that Israeli airstrikes hit a number of areas around the villages of Al-Ayshiyeh, Sajd, and Jermak, in the Jezzine district located in the Southern Governorate.

A heavy strike in the Qatrani area triggered power outages in several towns and set off fires in the Joura Khadr forest area, the news agency added.

In Marjayoun, Nabatiyeh Governorate, Israeli airstrikes hit the Adaisseh area and Taybeh suburb.

In Hasbaya, artillery fire with phosphorus ammunition was targeting areas around Halta Town and Wadi Khansa, while one airstrike also hit East Zoutr in Nabatiyeh.

The Lebanese news agency reported heavy artillery fire in Tyre between Majdal Zoun and Shamaa villages, fueling another fire.

Israeli forces also hit a bulldozer that was clearing a road in Rashknaniya, although there were no reports of injuries.

Israel has stepped up major airstrikes in Lebanon since last month against what it claims are Hezbollah targets, escalating the year-long cross-border war between Israel and Hezbollah since the start of Israel's brutal offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Israel expanded the conflict this year by launching an offensive into southern Lebanon on October 1.

After more than a year of attacking and destroying Gaza, Israel has killed nearly 43,000 people and injured more than 100,000 others, according to official Palestinian Health Authority calculations.