The attack struck the Saeed family’s house in the village of Sarifa on Wednesday, where relatives had gathered to mourn the death of a family member.

Several people were killed in the strike, while 7-year-old Aileen Saeed survived with serious injuries.

Family members said the attack came without warning as they were praying.

“We had come to the village for the funeral, praying, when suddenly it felt like a storm hit us,” said Aileen’s grandfather, Nasser Saeed, who was also injured.

The bodies of the victims were later taken to the southern city of Tyre, including that of Aileen’s infant sister Talin, who was under two years old.

The Israeli military said full details of the incident were not immediately available, adding that its operations target Hezbollah fighters while attempting to minimise civilian harm.

According to reports, tensions escalated after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli positions on March 2, prompting intensified Israeli air and ground operations.

Since then, more than 2,000 people have been killed, many of them women and children.

Speaking at the Vatican, Pope Leo called for an immediate ceasefire, saying it is a moral obligation to protect civilians from the effects of war.

Medical officials say the recent escalation has put hospitals under severe strain, with a large number of injured reported to be children.