Casualties Rise Amid Ongoing Israeli Raids in Lebanon
The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported significant casualties following a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting various locations in Lebanon, particularly around the Hariri Hospital in the southern suburbs of Beirut. According to the ministry, 13 individuals have been confirmed dead and 57 others wounded due to the ongoing Israeli aggression. The strikes have reportedly targeted entrances to the Hariri Governmental Hospital in the Janah area, with civil defense officials in eastern Lebanon confirming five deaths and seven injuries from a raid in Hermel, located in the Bekaa Valley.
Israeli aircraft have conducted multiple raids across the southern suburbs, including Al-Janah, Haret Hreik, Burj Al-Barajneh, and Al-Laylaki, resulting in considerable destruction and fires erupting at the targeted sites. Jihad Saadeh, the director of Rafik Hariri Hospital, condemned the strikes, asserting that they deliberately target Lebanon's healthcare infrastructure, calling for the protection of hospitals and medical personnel from military actions.
Israeli Military Operations and Hezbollah's Response
In a statement, the Israeli army claimed that its airstrikes were aimed at Hezbollah targets near Rafik Hariri University Hospital, asserting that the hospital itself was not damaged. However, the Lebanese News Agency reported that the Israeli military has conducted at least three airstrikes in the Ghobeiry area, warning residents to evacuate buildings believed to be associated with Hezbollah. Avichay Adraee, an Israeli army spokesman, urged immediate evacuation of the specified buildings, citing their proximity to military interests.
In response to Israeli operations, Hezbollah has retaliated by targeting Israeli military assets. Reports indicate that Hezbollah successfully hit a Merkava tank in Misgav Am, leading to casualties among its crew. Additionally, rockets were fired from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel, prompting air raid sirens in border towns.
The ongoing conflict has led to a staggering toll, with over 2,483 deaths and 11,628 injuries reported since the escalation began in October 2023, heavily impacting women and children. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been involved in rescue operations, although incidents of shelling have hampered their efforts, resulting in injuries to paramedics during missions. As the situation continues to develop, both sides remain engaged in hostilities, with Hezbollah launching missiles and drones in response to Israeli military actions.
