Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley and surrounding regions in Lebanon have killed at least 40 individuals, with the escalation of military actions targeting Hezbollah prompting a significant humanitarian crisis.
Rising Casualties in Eastern Lebanon Amid Intensified Israeli Strikes
Rising Casualties in Eastern Lebanon Amid Intensified Israeli Strikes
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon, particularly in Baalbek, have resulted in over 40 fatalities, prompting a humanitarian crisis as the conflict escalates.
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing military conflict, Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 40 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Strikes targeting the historic city of Baalbek, which is known for its Roman ruins, and the broader Bekaa Valley area have intensified amid Israel's campaign against the militant group Hezbollah.
The casualty figures released are preliminary estimates from the Lebanese health ministry and come as Israel expands its offensive beyond the southern border, where the conflict initially erupted. Prior to the recent surge in violence, Baalbek, home to approximately 80,000 residents, had avoided severe impact. However, Israeli military warnings in late October led to mass evacuations from the city, and the situation has since deteriorated significantly.
Israel’s military maintained that its operations are focused on dismantling Hezbollah’s capabilities, identifying around 20 targets tied to the organization around Baalbek and northern regions near the Litani River. In addition to Baalbek, Israeli strikes have also affected areas close to Beirut, where airstrike reports describe significant detonations and smoke clouds seen over the Dahiya neighborhood, a Hezbollah stronghold.
Nearby, reports indicated that one strike hit disturbingly close to the international airport, causing debris to rain down on the runway, though transport minister Ali Hamieh assured that the airport continues to operate normally. Since the escalation of hostilities last year, death tolls in Lebanon have surpassed 3,000, and over 1.2 million people have been displaced, constituting about one-fifth of the nation’s population, according to government figures. As the situation unfolds, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, raising urgent calls for international attention and intervention in the conflict.
