Escalating Conflict in Lebanon: At Least 18 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes
In a significant escalation of violence, at least 18 people have been reported killed following a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting towns in eastern and southern Lebanon. The Lebanese official news agency confirmed that 11 fatalities occurred in an airstrike on a house in Ain, located in the northern Bekaa Valley. Rescue efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining bodies from the wreckage. Additionally, 7 paramedics lost their lives during two separate raids in Qabrikha and Tyre Dibba, as reported by the Lebanese Civil Defense.
Israel's military has stated that it bombed dozens of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including launchers aimed at Israel. The Israeli air force conducted operations across multiple regions, including the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Baalbek area. According to Al Jazeera's correspondent, the strikes were aimed at crippling Hezbollah's operational capabilities in the region.
Hezbollah Responds: Rockets Fired at Tiberias
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 7 rockets into the city of Tiberias in northern Israel, although no casualties were reported. The Tiberias Municipal Council confirmed the rockets landed in open areas, prompting sirens to sound across the region, including the Upper Galilee and southern Golan Heights. Israeli authorities have advised residents to remain near shelters as tensions continue to rise.
Ground Invasion on the Horizon? U.S. Officials Weigh In
Speculation about a potential Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon is growing. Maariv newspaper reported that while no formal decision has been made, the Israeli army is prepared for such an operation, which would be limited in scope. U.S. officials have expressed concerns that a ground invasion could backfire, urging Israel to avoid escalating the conflict further. This comes amid fears that Iranian involvement could intensify following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during recent Israeli raids.
As the situation unfolds, the Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported a staggering 1,640 deaths and over 8,408 injuries since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
