Escalating Conflict: Israel's Airstrikes on Lebanon Intensify
The situation in Lebanon has reached a critical point as the Israeli Ministry of Health reported late Thursday that airstrikes over the past 24 hours have resulted in 88 deaths and 153 injuries. This marks one of the most violent escalations in the region since the ongoing confrontations with Hezbollah began nearly a year ago. Israeli warplanes have conducted extensive air raids across southern Lebanon, targeting cities such as Baalbek, Tyre, and Sidon, as well as various towns in the Bekaa Valley and Mount Lebanon. The relentless bombardment has displaced thousands of residents, with many fleeing to neighboring Syria in search of safety.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amidst Violence
Lebanon's Health Minister, Firas Abiad, expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian impact of the Israeli strikes, noting that more than 40 healthcare workers have been killed during this week's attacks. He emphasized that ambulances are being directly targeted, violating international laws designed to protect medical personnel and facilities. In a statement to the United Nations, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib warned that the escalating violence poses a dire threat to Lebanon's existence and calls for urgent international intervention. He attributed the ongoing crisis to the Israeli occupation and its refusal to engage in dialogue over border disputes.
Hezbollah's Response and Regional Implications
In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched missile and drone attacks against Israeli military positions, claiming to have targeted key installations including the Israeli military's drone command. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they have struck approximately 220 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including missile launch sites and weapons storage facilities. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in over 700 fatalities in Lebanon since the start of the Israeli offensive, with the UN estimating that more than 90,000 people have been displaced within the country. The situation continues to escalate, with both sides showing no signs of de-escalation as international calls for a ceasefire grow louder.
