Two people were killed in a Hezbollah rocket attack on the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona on Wednesday, as the group launched dozens of rockets into northern Israel. The incident marked the first deadly attack on civilians since the escalation between Israel and Lebanon intensified late last month.

The victims, a man and a woman in their 40s, were unable to reach the shelter in time as they were walking their dogs when the rockets struck, according to emergency responders. Medics declared the two dead at the scene, which was the site of one of several rocket impacts that also sparked fires across the city.

The attack on Kiryat Shmona was one of several Hezbollah-launched bombardments on northern Israel throughout the day. Five people were also injured in Haifa when a large rocket barrage struck the city, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service. A 16-year-old boy sustained moderate injuries, while four others were treated for light wounds.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with heavy air and ground fire, continuing raids and strikes against Hezbollah operatives across southern Lebanon. Israeli forces reported killing several Hezbollah fighters and uncovering weapons and rocket launchers during operations. The IDF also said three Israeli soldiers were seriously injured during the past day’s fighting.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, including a volley of 20 rockets fired at Kiryat Shmona. Sirens wailed throughout Israel’s northern region, including in the city of Haifa, as the conflict continued to escalate.

In Lebanon, the IDF carried out airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites, including in Beirut’s southern suburbs and the city of Sidon, as Israeli forces sought to push Hezbollah away from the border and eliminate the threat posed by the group’s attacks.