Israeli Airstrikes Devastate Bekaa Valley, Claiming Lives of Syrians
In a tragic escalation of violence, an Israeli airstrike on the town of Younin in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, resulted in the deaths of 23 Syrians, according to the Lebanese National News Agency. The attack, which occurred on the night of September 25, 2024, also left at least eight others injured, including four Lebanese nationals. The victims, primarily Syrian workers, were residing in a building near a gas station when the airstrike occurred. Local reports indicate that many of the deceased were women and children, heightening the tragedy of this incident.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly through the night to recover victims trapped under the rubble of the destroyed building. The Lebanese Health Ministry had previously reported a lower death toll of 20, including 19 Syrians, before the numbers were updated. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in the region, with several towns and villages in the Baalbek and Hermel areas also targeted, leading to numerous casualties.
The situation has prompted a mass exodus, with approximately 15,000 Syrians and 6,000 Lebanese fleeing across the border into Syria to escape the ongoing bombardment. In a related incident, Israeli warplanes struck the Matraba crossing on the Syrian border, injuring eight individuals. The recent wave of attacks has raised alarms, as Israel's military operations have reportedly resulted in over 600 deaths and 2,000 injuries in Lebanon since the escalation began last week.
As tensions mount, the Israeli military has positioned forces along the Lebanese border in preparation for a possible ground invasion, citing the need to dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities in the area. The international community watches closely as the humanitarian crisis unfolds, with calls for urgent measures to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.
