Arabic version: إسرائيل تكثف الضربات في جنوب لبنان ومناطق بيروت
Israel has launched renewed strikes on southern Lebanon as it continues to press forward with a ground invasion, while also waging new attacks on Beirut shortly after striking areas around the capital that had been so far removed from the conflict. According to Al Jazeera, at least four people were killed in a raid that hit a car in the southern town of Kfar Rumman, the Lebanese Civil Defence told Al Jazeera.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported a string of attacks in the Jabal Amel region, south of the Litani River, including in the towns of Arzoun and Jouya. An Israeli drone struck near Ghandour Hospital in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, killing one person and injuring a second, local media reported. Observers noted that the Israeli military’s targeting of bridges is aimed at isolating the region from the rest of Lebanon, potentially impacting up to 150,000 residents.
Elie Yaacoub, head of Mercy Corps’ Lebanon Crisis Analysis Team, highlighted the humanitarian implications of the ongoing destruction, stating that the systematic isolation of the population could lead to a rapid deterioration of basic needs and access to essential services. He emphasized that the infrastructure damage would have long-lasting effects on development and recovery efforts.
In Beirut, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee ordered the evacuation of residents from seven neighborhoods in the southern suburb, indicating that the army would target “Hezbollah infrastructure.” Airstrikes were reported in the southern suburbs, including an attack on the predominantly Christian town of Ain Saadeh, which resulted in three fatalities and injuries to three others. The area, previously deemed safe, has raised concerns among residents.
The conflict, now in its sixth week, has resulted in at least 1,461 fatalities and more than 4,000 injuries across Lebanon, with over one million people displaced. The ongoing violence continues to escalate tensions and humanitarian crises throughout the region.
