Key Takeaways:
– Israel claims to target Hezbollah in Lebanon, causing civilian casualties.
– Over the past week, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports over 700 fatalities, including at least 50 children.
– Internal displacement in Lebanon exceeds 100,000 as a result of Israeli airstrikes.
– Conflicting messages emerge from PM Netanyahu’s office concerning a ceasefire proposal by the U.S. and France.
Death Toll Rises Amid Israeli Airstrikes
In the heart of southern Beirut, Lebanon, first responders frantically hurried through the rubble-strewn streets to assist those injured by Israel’s latest airstrikes, with heartbreaking efforts to help even the smallest victims. A young boy, no older than three, was photographed being wheeled away on a stretcher.
Israel maintains its attacks target Hezbollah, aiming at the Iran-backed group’s arsenal of rocket launchers and weaponry. Reports reveal that residential areas have frequently been in the crosshairs, where Israel alleges Hezbollah stashes armaments. Even amidst warnings from Israel to evacuate, civilian casualties, children included, are unfortunately mounting.
Hezbollah reported approximately 30 of its militants have been killed in the past week’s strikes. However, Lebanon’s health ministry figures paint a more striking picture, noting over 700 people were killed, among them at least 50 children, and those are just the casualties accounted for.
Similar Airstrikes Lead to Mass Internal Displacement
The strikes on residential areas have resulted in large-scale internal displacement in Lebanon. Over 100,000 individuals have been recorded as internally displaced by the Lebanese government following intense bombardments from Israel over recent weeks. Lebanese officials postulate the actual figure to be significantly higher, possibly over half a million.
The United Nations disclosed that around 30,000 people, mostly Syrian nationals, navigated their way into Syria from Lebanon in the 72 hours leading up to Friday.
Strikes Continue Amid Calls for Ceasefire
On Friday, the Israeli military reported carrying out multiple strikes in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets at the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tiberias. The Israel Defense Forces claim these were either intercepted or landed in non-residential areas.
In a parallel event, Houthi rebels in Yemen announced firing a missile at Israel, which the latter stated was intercepted. Both Hezbollah and the Houthis are backed by Iran, claiming their retaliatory attacks on Israel aim to support Palestinians.
Conflicting Messages from Netanyahu on Ceasefire
Amid the escalating crossfire along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, international attention has been focused on the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the gathering, with anticipations high in light of mixed messages from his office on a ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah, backed by the U.S. and France.
Netanyahu’s office issued a statement that seemed to counter an earlier dismissal of a ceasefire discussion, saying that Israel shares the aims of the U.S-led initiative for the safe return of displaced individuals. Furthermore, Netanyahu ruled out all assumptions of a softened military approach on Hezbollah, affirming orders for the IDF to continue fighting with full force, dispelling reports of easing their assault.
The situation remains dynamic as efforts towards achieving a cease-fire are underway, with each day bringing about more developments and tragic loss.
Source: www.cbsnews.com