On Tuesday, the Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including three paramedics, in southern Lebanon. This incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions, with both Israel and Hezbollah engaging in mutual accusations regarding ceasefire violations.
Casualties from airstrikes
The strikes targeted the town of Majdal Zoun and led to a preliminary toll of five fatalities, as stated by the health ministry. Among the victims were three members of the Lebanese civil defense who were reportedly trapped under debris during a rescue operation. In addition, two people were confirmed dead and 13 injured from an attack on Jebchit, and another strike in Jwaya resulted in one fatality and injuries to 15 others, including five children and five women.
Furthermore, the Lebanese army disclosed that two of its soldiers sustained injuries due to hostile actions from Israeli forces targeting an army patrol. This marked the first instance of reported targeting of Lebanese military personnel since the truce was instituted.
Evacuations and international implications
In response to the escalating violence, Israel issued a new evacuation directive for residents in over a dozen southern villages, instructing them to move northward toward the Sidon District. This warning was communicated by the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
Shortly after the evacuation order, Israeli airstrikes were carried out across southern Lebanon, targeting locations both within and along the border of the Israeli-occupied “yellow line,” which extends for 10 kilometers. In light of these events, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar asserted that Israel holds no territorial ambitions in Lebanon and will withdraw only when Hezbollah and other militant groups are dismantled.
“Israel continues to violate international laws and conventions that protect civilians,”
stated Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, condemning the airstrike on Majdal Zoun. He emphasized the ongoing breaches of international law in the conflict.
Moreover, human rights organization Amnesty International called upon Israel to cease its destruction of civilian properties in southern Lebanon. This call followed the emergence of a video showing Israeli forces demolishing solar panels and a water station in the village of Debel. The military has initiated an investigation into the incident, which is part of a broader pattern of destruction reported by Amnesty.
In parallel developments, Israel’s military announced the discovery and subsequent demolition of two extensive Hezbollah tunnels in Qantara, constructed over a decade. Utilizing over 450 tonnes of explosives, Israeli forces targeted what they described as a “massive underground military installation.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the commitment to dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure, linking the ongoing military actions to a broader strategy against the group.
As a result of the conflict, the Lebanese health ministry has reported a total of 2,534 deaths and 7,863 injuries since the onset of hostilities, with more than 1 million people displaced and substantial economic damage incurred.