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Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli air strike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Zawtar al-Sharqiya [File: AFP]
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BEIRUT – Israeli airstrikes have struck multiple areas in Lebanon, including the southern suburbs of Beirut, for the fifth consecutive day, targeting Dahiyeh, Haret Hreik, and Chiyah. These areas, traditionally associated with Hezbollah, were reduced to rubble as residents fled amid the relentless bombardment. The attacks have left Beirut’s once-thriving southern neighborhoods virtually deserted.
In Lebanon’s southern Nabatieh governorate, an Israeli drone attack killed two paramedics, following an earlier airstrike on a civil defense center that claimed the lives of 12 rescuers. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that over the past 24 hours, 59 people have been killed, and 182 others injured across the country.
Since the start of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, at least 3,452 Lebanese have been killed, and 14,599 wounded in Israeli strikes, underscoring the devastating human toll of the escalating conflict.
Gaza and Beyond: The expanding crisis
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the death toll has soared to over 43,799 Palestinians, with 103,601 injured. The Israeli military’s operation was initiated in response to Hamas-led attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,139 Israelis and the capture of over 200 hostages.
Israeli military officials, including Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, have vowed to continue their offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, citing the group’s weakened command structure and significant losses. Halevi stated that Israeli strikes aim to ensure the safe return of displaced Israelis in northern regions.
International reactions and ceasefire efforts
Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon are ongoing. Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri is reviewing a proposal presented by the U.S. ambassador, though its terms—especially provisions involving international supervision—remain contentious. Berri emphasized that Lebanon would not compromise its sovereignty, signaling potential hurdles in achieving a truce.
In parallel, international solidarity with Palestinians continues to grow. Protests have erupted globally, including a significant demonstration in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the G20 summit. Marchers demanded an end to Israeli aggression and severance of Brazil-Israel relations, reflecting the conflict's far-reaching political implications.
As airstrikes continue across southern Lebanon and Gaza, rescue teams and humanitarian agencies struggle to keep pace with the mounting casualties, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life.
Source: Aljazeera
