Hezbollah Launches Missile Attack on Israeli Base Near Haifa
In a significant escalation of tensions in the region, the Lebanese Islamist group Hezbollah announced on Saturday that it had launched a missile attack targeting an Israeli military base located near Haifa, a major city in northern Israel. According to a statement from Hezbollah, the attack involved a "salvo of missiles" aimed at an explosive materials factory situated south of Haifa. This incident coincided with Israel's observance of Yom Kippur, during which air raid sirens were triggered in multiple northern locations, as reported by the Israeli army.
Hezbollah had previously claimed responsibility for a drone attack on an air base in Haifa just a day before this missile strike. The group urged Israeli citizens to steer clear of military installations in residential areas, asserting that the Israeli army utilizes civilian homes as assembly centers for its officers and soldiers. In a warning broadcast in both Arabic and Hebrew, Hezbollah highlighted the presence of military bases in key northern cities, including Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre, advising residents to prioritize their safety.
Rising Casualties Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border has been increasingly volatile, with exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli military intensifying in recent weeks. In light of these developments, Israel has faced mounting international criticism regarding its military operations in Lebanon and its actions against peacekeeping forces. Reports indicate that two Sri Lankan peacekeepers were injured as a result of Israeli fire directed at what was described as a "threat" near a UNIFIL position in southern Lebanon. This incident has drawn significant concern from the UN Security Council, which condemned any deliberate attacks against peacekeeping forces as serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, which saw Hezbollah open a front in support of Hamas, the death toll has risen dramatically. Over 2,100 individuals have been reported killed in Lebanon, with more than 1,200 fatalities occurring since September 23. The UN has documented nearly 700,000 internally displaced persons in Lebanon, with a significant number fleeing to Syria. Additionally, the Lebanese army has reported the deaths of four of its soldiers amidst the escalating Israeli bombardments.
