Israeli Strikes Target Southern Lebanon and Beirut Suburbs
Israeli forces intensified their military campaign against Hezbollah on Friday, striking southern Lebanon and the outskirts of Beirut. At least five medics were killed, and clashes erupted between Israeli ground troops and Hezbollah fighters near the southern border.
The conflict continues despite U.S. mediation efforts, with hopes for a ceasefire appearing increasingly distant.
U.S. Envoy Pushes for Ceasefire
U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein, who visited Beirut this week, described a potential truce as “within our grasp.” However, his efforts to de-escalate tensions seem to have had little immediate impact. Hochstein also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz before returning to Washington.
The violence has escalated significantly since Israel launched intensified strikes in late September and moved ground troops into southern Lebanon on October 1.
Clashes Along the Southern Border
Israeli troops have been engaging with Hezbollah fighters in several towns along the southern border. This week, the clashes extended to Khiyam, a town six kilometers (four miles) from the border.
Hezbollah reported firing rockets at Israeli forces near Khiyam on Friday. Meanwhile, Lebanese sources claimed Israeli troops advanced into villages west of the town, likely aiming to encircle Khiyam before launching a direct assault.
Medics and Civilians Among Casualties
The Lebanese health ministry reported multiple casualties from Israeli airstrikes:
- An airstrike near Dar Al-Amal University Hospital in Baalbek killed the hospital director and six colleagues.
- Separate strikes on two villages in southern Lebanon killed five medics affiliated with Hezbollah’s rescue teams.
- Over the past year, more than 3,500 people have died due to Israeli strikes, including more than 200 medics, according to health ministry figures.
UN Peacekeepers Injured
Two rockets hit a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon, injuring four Italian soldiers. Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, suggested Hezbollah might be responsible, though an investigation is ongoing.
Evacuation Orders Amid Strikes
Israeli airstrikes also targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. Residents described the destruction of residential buildings after receiving evacuation warnings.
Abeer Darwich, a resident of the affected area, stood in shock as her home was reduced to rubble. “These homes were our life savings, our memories,” she said.
Videos shared on social media showed a missile piercing a multi-story building, which collapsed into a massive cloud of dust and debris.
Conclusion
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah shows no sign of abating, with increasing civilian and medical casualties adding to the humanitarian toll. As U.S. mediation falters, the violence continues to reshape the lives of residents in both Lebanon and northern Israel.
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