Israeli shelling continued throughout the day on October 10, mainly targeting southern Lebanon. From 6:00 a.m., airstrikes hit Khiam, destroying several civilian infrastructures and causing massive population displacements. At 7:46 a.m., the villages of Chaqra and Shahabiya were also hit, causing significant material damage.
Al-Manar reported that the strikes hit vital infrastructure, including power lines and roads, making it difficult for relief workers to reach. At 2:29 p.m., Israeli forces struck UNIFIL positions in Ras al-Naqoura, causing injuries to peacekeepers. These strikes were followed by an intensification of raids in Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley, where targets included hospitals and water facilities. At 5:55 p.m., the shelling hit Ain Baal, causing the death of several civilians, according to LBCI and Al Jadeed.
2. Military situation: intensification of border fighting
On the military front, October 10 saw a major escalation of fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, with direct clashes on the border. At 11:00 a.m., Israeli units attempted to infiltrate Hezbollah’s defense lines in the areas of Ras al-Naqoura and Maroun al-Ras. According to Al-Manar, these attempts were repelled by anti-tank rocket fire, which destroyed several Israeli armored vehicles.
Hizbullah has strengthened its positions and intensified its attacks in response to these actions. From 1:00 p.m., more than 200 rockets were launched in the direction of the Israeli cities of Safed and Haifa, causing fires and considerable material damage. LiveUAMap confirmed that several buildings in these cities were hit by Hezbollah’s rockets, despite the efforts of defense systems like the Iron Dome.
The Israeli military, for its part, carried out targeted strikes on suspected Hezbollah positions in Dahiyeh, south of Beirut, as well as in the Bekaa Valley. These strikes targeted weapons depots and rocket launch platforms, but also caused significant civilian casualties. MTV and Al Jadeedsources reported that several residential areas were hit by the strikes, worsening the humanitarian situation.
In the area of the Sheba’a farms, heavy exchanges of fire were reported throughout the afternoon. Hezbollah has claimed several victories, claiming to have neutralized advanced Israeli positions. However, fighting remains intense and the situation on the ground is highly volatile, with risks of escalation into a wider conflict, according to LBCI.
3. Local political situation and reactions
Politically, the crisis in Lebanon is exacerbated by the absence of a stable government. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has convened an emergency meeting with Lebanon’s top political leaders to discuss the repercussions of the bombings on national security. Al Jadeed reported that Berri has sharply criticized the inaction of the international community and the United Nations, which he accuses of not doing enough to protect Lebanese civilians.
Interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated his commitment to comply with UN Resolution 1701, calling for immediate de-escalation. However, Hezbollah’s position of refusing to make concessions to Israel complicates mediation efforts. LBCI reported that some political parties, including the Lebanese Forces, fear that the situation could escalate into a major regional conflict, due to Hizbullah’s increasing involvement in the fighting.
Saad Hariri, a Sunni Arab political figure, also called for restraint, stressing the need to preserve the country’s stability. However, his call for a ceasefire was met with cold reception by pro-Hezbollah factions, who continue to justify their actions as an act of defense against Israeli aggression.
4. Diplomatic efforts: fragile attempts at a ceasefire
On the diplomatic front, efforts are underway to defuse the crisis. The European Union has announced the establishment of a humanitarian air bridge to deliver medicines, food and medical supplies to the most affected regions. These flights, according to Naharnet, are expected to begin as early as October 11, in response to growing shortages in hospitals in southern Lebanon.
The United Nations, through its special envoy Tor Wennesland, continues to advocate for the strict implementation of Resolution 1701, calling on Israel and Hezbollah to cease hostilities. However, internal tensions in Israel complicate the negotiations. MTV and Al Jadeed reported that Israel’s ruling coalition is facing internal pressure to take a more aggressive stance against Hezbollah, which is slowing down any attempt to reach a ceasefire agreement.
Discussions between Lebanese, Egyptian and French diplomats are also continuing, but the results remain limited. According to LBCI, these negotiations are hampered by Israel’s insistence on the complete neutralization of Hezbollah’s military capabilities before any truce. This radical stance makes it difficult to compromise in the short term.
5. Other Developments: Humanitarian and Economic Impact
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has become dire. More than 374,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of the escalation. These refugees, mostly residents of southern Lebanon, have settled in makeshift camps in the north of the country or fled to Syria. Al Jadeed reported that living conditions in these camps are extremely precarious, with limited access to clean water and medical care.
Vital infrastructure is severely damaged. MTV and Al-Manar reported that power plants and water pumping stations in the Bekaa Valley were destroyed in the Israeli strikes, leaving thousands of homes without access to electricity and clean water. Hospitals in the worst-affected areas, including Tyre and Baalbek, are overwhelmed and severely short of medical supplies, according to LBCI.
Economically, Lebanon, already weakened by years of financial crisis, is facing an imminent catastrophe. The transport sector is paralysed, with ports and roads destroyed by bombing. Lebanon’s already struggling economy is on the verge of collapse, according to the latest economic analysis reported by Naharnet.
