Dozens Killed in Israeli Air Raids on Lebanon as Ceasefire Efforts Continue
Israeli air raids in eastern Lebanon’s Baalbek region have killed at least 47 people and wounded 22 more, Al Jazeera reports, citing Bachir Khodr, governor of Baalbek-Hermel province.
The strikes, some of the most intense yet in the ongoing conflict, also hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, causing significant damage. Rescue operations are underway in the affected areas. The Lebanese Health Ministry separately reported three deaths in an Israeli bombing of al-Shaitiyah, near Tyre.
The Israeli military confirmed carrying out strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, claiming mitigation efforts were undertaken to minimize civilian casualties. However, the high death toll casts doubt on the effectiveness of these measures.
The escalating conflict, which began in October 2023, saw Hezbollah launch rockets into Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, prompting Israel’s intensified response. Since October, Lebanese Health Ministry figures indicate at least 3,583 people have been killed and 15,244 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
Hezbollah, despite sustaining significant losses, continues its rocket attacks on Israel, targeting Tel Aviv earlier this week. Ground battles between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops are also ongoing in southern Lebanon. Israel reports over 100 deaths in northern Israel and the Golan Heights, including more than 70 soldiers, attributed to Hezbollah attacks.
The conflict continues to claim lives on both sides. On Thursday, a 30-year-old man was killed in Nahariya, northern Israel, when shrapnel from a rocket struck a playground, according to Israel’s MDA medical service. The Israeli military reported approximately 10 rockets launched from Lebanon towards Nahariya, stating that most were intercepted. Channel 12 news reported that three rockets hit the town. Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television confirmed the rocket fire.
