Israeli Airstrikes Intensify in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israeli military operations have escalated dramatically in Lebanon, with recent airstrikes resulting in significant casualties and destruction. On October 6, 2024, Israeli jets bombed a house in Srifa, a town south of Tyre, killing at least four people, as reported by Lebanon 24 and Quds News Network, citing Al Jazeera. This attack is part of a broader pattern of Israeli air raids targeting southern Lebanon, particularly areas associated with Hezbollah.
In a separate incident, Lebanese news agency ANI reported that four Israeli airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut. The strikes, which occurred on October 6, targeted neighborhoods known to house Hezbollah facilities, including Hagia Theresa and Bourj al-Barajneh. Witnesses described the bombings as some of the most intense in recent weeks, with explosions shaking windows and creating large plumes of smoke. The Israeli military had previously warned residents to evacuate these areas, indicating the seriousness of the ongoing conflict.
The backdrop to these military actions is the ongoing hostilities that began on September 23, 2023, when Israel launched an offensive against Hezbollah in response to the group's support for Hamas in Gaza. Since the start of these operations, the Lebanese Health Ministry reports that over 2,000 people have died in Lebanon, with more than 1.2 million displaced from their homes. The situation remains dire as the conflict continues to escalate.
In retaliation, Hezbollah has increased its attacks on Israeli military positions. On October 6, the group announced it had targeted an Israeli base near Haifa with a salvo of rockets, marking the third such attack in recent days. This response highlights the ongoing cycle of violence as both sides continue to engage in military operations across the border.
