Escalating Conflict: Hezbollah Strikes Haifa Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon
On October 12, 2024, Hezbollah announced it targeted an explosives factory in Haifa, northern Israel, launching a volley of precision missiles. This action is part of a broader retaliation against Israeli airstrikes that have intensified across southern Lebanon, particularly affecting civilian areas. Hezbollah's statement emphasized the attack as a show of support for the Palestinian people in Gaza and as a defense of Lebanon against what it described as Israeli aggression.
The militant group reported executing 24 attacks on various Israeli locations, including Haifa and Safed, and military sites in the Galilee and Golan Heights. In a warning to Israeli settlers, Hezbollah advised against proximity to military bases within residential areas, labeling them as potential targets for future missile strikes.
In response, the Israeli military reported intercepting around 80 rockets launched from Lebanon within a short timeframe, activating air raid sirens in several central Israeli regions. Reports of explosions were noted in Tel Aviv, attributed to missile interceptions, and power outages were reported in Herzliya following the alerts.
Casualties and Destruction in Lebanon
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported seven fatalities and twelve injuries from Israeli airstrikes targeting various towns in southern Lebanon. Additionally, two Lebanese soldiers were killed, and three were injured in an Israeli attack on their position in Kfarra. Israeli airstrikes have devastated infrastructure, including a three-story building in Kotharia al-Sayyad, and have targeted agricultural sites in the Bekaa Valley.
Since the onset of Israel's military operations in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the violence has spilled over into Lebanon, with airstrikes reported in Beirut and other regions. As of Friday, the death toll from these attacks has reached 1,411, with nearly 4,000 injured, including many women and children, and over 1.34 million people displaced, according to reports from Anadolu Agency.
International Response and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has drawn international condemnation, with calls for restraint and adherence to humanitarian laws. The escalating violence raises concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis, as many civilians are caught in the crossfire. The situation remains dire, with urgent needs for medical assistance and shelter for the displaced populations in both Lebanon and Gaza.
