Escalating Conflict in Lebanon: Israel’s Airstrikes Claim 40 Lives
Background to the Conflict
Israel has been locked in a protracted conflict with Lebanese armed group Hezbollah since October 2023, with fighting escalating dramatically since late September of this year. The conflict has resulted in significant human toll, with at least 3,136 people killed and 13,979 wounded in Lebanon over the last year, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The toll includes 619 women and 194 children.
Recent Airstrikes
In the last day, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 40 people, including several children, according to Lebanese authorities. The strikes have targeted various areas, including the coastal city of Tyre, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and the eastern plains around the historic city of Baalbek.
Tyre and Baalbek Under Attack
At least seven people were killed in Tyre late on Friday, with two children among the dead. Rescue operations are ongoing, and other body parts retrieved in the aftermath of the attack will undergo DNA testing to identify them, the health ministry said. In Baalbek, at least 20 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday.
Hezbollah Infrastructure Targeted
The Israeli military has struck Hezbollah infrastructure sites in the areas of Tyre and Baalbek, including fighters, "operational apartments," and weapons stores. Hezbollah has ramped up daily rocket and drone attacks against Israel, with more than 20 operations announced on Saturday, as well as one that it said fighters carried out the previous day against a military factory south of Tel Aviv.
Rubble and Destruction
The southern suburbs of Beirut, once a bustling collection of neighborhoods and a key stronghold of Hezbollah, have been severely damaged. Many buildings have been almost entirely flattened, with Hezbollah’s yellow flags jutting out from the ruins. Some buildings were partially damaged, leading to the collapse of floors and the spilling of furniture and other personal belongings onto parked cars below. Men and women are picking through the rubble for their belongings, shoving blankets and mats under their arms or into black plastic bags.
Citizen’s Perspective
"We are trying to gather as many (of our possessions) as we can, so we can manage to live off them, nothing more," said Hassan Hannawi, one of the men looking for his belongings.
Conclusion
The conflict in Lebanon continues to escalate, with devastating human toll and widespread destruction. The international community must urge both sides to engage in peace talks and find a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current death toll in Lebanon as a result of the conflict?
- At least 3,136 people have been killed in Lebanon over the last year.
- How many people have been wounded?
- At least 13,979 people have been wounded in Lebanon over the last year.
- What is the breakdown of the toll by gender and age?
- The toll includes 619 women and 194 children.
- What is the current state of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon?
- The conflict has escalated dramatically since late September, with both sides engaging in daily rocket and drone attacks.