In a region that rarely sees peace, the latest chapter in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has taken a perilous turn. Since late September, Israel has escalated its military operations, launching airstrikes across southern Lebanon, specifically targeting Hezbollah strongholds. What began as a retaliation against a Hezbollah drone attempt has now snowballed into a deadly confrontation, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
A Closer Look at the Israeli Airstrikes: The most recent airstrikes have had a devastating impact on Lebanon’s infrastructure and its civilian population. Israel's primary focus has been on Hezbollah’s strongholds, with heavy bombing campaigns in southern Beirut. Here, Israeli forces claimed to have hit a "command centre" and an underground weapons depot. But the effects have gone far beyond military targets. Residential areas, including neighbourhoods near mosques and hospitals in Haret Hreik, have also been struck, contributing to mounting civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, Nabatieh, another town in southern Lebanon, has seen significant devastation. The city's mayor, along with civil defence workers who were aiding residents, were killed in the bombardment. What’s more, the toll is staggering—over 1,454 lives lost in Lebanon since this escalation began. It’s not just militants caught in the crossfire but innocent civilians paying the price of war.
Israel launched a new wave of deadly airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions and urging civilians to evacuate.