Israel Pounds Southern Lebanon and Beirut, Clashes with Hezbollah
Escalating Conflict
Israeli forces have intensified their military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, killing at least five medics and clashing with ground troops in the south. The conflict has been ongoing for over a year, with Israeli strikes causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
US Envoy’s Efforts
US mediator Amos Hochstein had earlier said that a truce was "within our grasp," but his efforts to broker a ceasefire have been tempered by Israel’s continued military action. Hochstein met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz before returning to Washington.
Ground Troops Clash with Hezbollah
Israeli troops have fought Hezbollah in a strip of towns along the border and have pushed deeper to the edges of Khiyam, a town some 6km from the border. Hezbollah has fired rockets at Israeli troops east of Khiyam at least four times today.
Evacuation Warnings and Strikes
Israel has issued evacuation warnings for several buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs, which were struck by Israeli forces today. The strikes killed five medics from a rescue force affiliated with Hezbollah, bringing the total number of people killed by Israeli strikes to over 3,500, including more than 200 medics.
Consequences of the Conflict
The conflict has had devastating consequences for civilians, with many forced to flee their homes and livelihoods destroyed. Abeer Darwich, a resident of a building that was hit in Beirut’s southern suburbs, said, "Do you know that most of the apartments’ owners took credit to buy those houses? Life savings are gone, memories and safety … which Israel decided to steal from us."
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in southern Lebanon?
A: Israeli forces are engaged in a military campaign against Hezbollah, with ground troops clashing with Hezbollah fighters in the south.
Q: What is the death toll from Israeli strikes?
A: Over 3,500 people have been killed, including more than 200 medics.
Q: What is the goal of Israel’s military campaign?
A: Israel aims to secure the return home of tens of thousands of people evacuated from Israel’s north due to rocket attacks by Hezbollah.
Q: What is the response of international organizations to the conflict?
A: The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and has condemned the violence.