Israel announced on Tuesday that it was escalating its bombing campaign in Lebanon, targeting the Shiite Hezbollah militia. The death toll had risen above 550, which included a rocket chief and two UN aid agency employees.
“We must not let Hezbollah rest. We must continue with all our strength,” declared Israeli chief of staff, General Herzi Halevi, according to military sources.
The Israeli Air Force stated that they had struck “Hezbollah terror targets in southern Lebanon, including launchers, terrorist infrastructure sites, and buildings storing weapons.”
Additionally, the Israeli military reported killing Hezbollah’s rocket chief, Ibrahim Qubaisi, in the Beirut suburb of Ghobeiry. Qubaisi was responsible for rocket attacks on Israel and for assaults on civilians. The strike resulted in six deaths and 15 injuries, as reported by the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Hezbollah, supported by Iran, retaliated by launching rockets at northern Israel. They targeted Israeli military bases with heavy rockets such as Fadi-1 and Fadi-2 near the city of Haifa, a military airfield west of Afula, and other locations, including Rosh Pina.
According to Israel’s army, around 215 projectiles were fired into Israeli territory. This marked an escalation from Hezbollah’s previous tactics of using smaller rockets and drones against Israel.
Lebanon faced devastating consequences from the Israeli airstrikes, with a death toll of 558 and 1,835 injured. The Lebanese Health Minister revealed that 50 children were among the deceased. The injured were being treated at over 54 hospitals and medical centers across Beirut and southern Lebanon.
The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, mourned the loss of two of its employees in Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Dina Darwiche and Ali Basma, from different UNHCR offices in Lebanon, tragically lost their lives during the conflict.
These attacks marked a dramatic escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, adding to the tensions already present in the region.
Last week, Hezbollah faced another setback as hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members exploded across Lebanon. While Israel was suspected, no official claim was made.
Conclusion:
The escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah has led to numerous casualties and destruction, further straining the already tense situation in the region. With mounting fatalities and injuries, the need for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The international community must work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and suffering in Lebanon and Israel.
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