IDF Launches Ground Operations Against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have commenced targeted strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The IDF's statement confirmed that these operations, which began on September 30, 2024, involved ground forces supported by the Israeli Air Force and artillery. The targeted areas included villages near the border that were deemed a threat to communities in northern Israel. This operation is the first confirmed instance of Israeli ground forces engaging in Lebanon since the onset of hostilities on October 8, 2023.
Casualties and Repercussions from Ongoing Conflict
The recent Israeli raids have resulted in substantial casualties, with dozens reported killed across various regions in Lebanon, particularly in Sidon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least 24 fatalities in Ain al-Delb and additional casualties in Baalbek and Hermel. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched missiles and artillery attacks on northern Israeli towns, including Safed, prompting sirens to sound across the region. The ongoing violence has led to a humanitarian crisis, with significant loss of life and injuries reported on both sides, exacerbating an already dire situation in the region.
