1. Israeli airstrikes and bombings:
Israeli shelling has continued to hit several areas of Lebanon and Gaza massively over the past 24 hours. The southern suburbs of Beirut, including Burj al-Barajneh and Haret Hreik, suffered a new wave of strikes this afternoon. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports that yesterday’s Israeli bombing killed 25 people and injured 127, worsening the already dramatic human toll in the country.
In southern Lebanon, airstrikes hit the towns of Nabatieh, Maroun al-Ras, Yaroun, and Bint Jbeil, among others. The area around Sheikh Ragheb Harb Hospital was also shelled. Ground fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army continues, with intense artillery exchanges in areas near the border. Targeted attacks by Israeli drones have hit villages like Kafr Hamam, causing further civilian casualties.
The Lebanese skies remain dominated by Israeli drones, flying at low altitude over densely populated areas, such as Beirut and the south of the country. Explosions echo throughout the region, while Israeli fighter jets continue their campaign of intensified airstrikes.
2. Hezbollah’s responses:
In the face of intensified Israeli bombardment, Hezbollah has intensified its rocket fire. More than 110 rockets were fired from southern Lebanon today, hitting Israeli cities like Safed, Karmiel, and villages in the northern Galilee. Rocket impacts caused fires, including in Safed, where Israeli rescue teams were mobilized to extinguish the flames.
Hizbullah has also claimed responsibility for several direct attacks on Israeli military infrastructure, including a base in Ramat David and another in Ma’ale Golani. These actions are aimed at responding to what Hezbollah describes as Israeli « barbarism » against Lebanese civilians.
3. Humanitarian situation:
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating rapidly. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has described the crisis in Lebanon as « biting », as medical infrastructure and health centres continue to be targeted. Several hospitals have been hit by Israeli raids, making it difficult to treat the wounded.
Shipments of humanitarian aid are arriving sporadically at Beirut airport, including from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, but the needs remain dire. The shortage of medicines and medical equipment is beginning to have a dramatic effect on the ability of hospitals to treat victims of the bombings. In addition, local NGOs, such as the Lebanese Red Crescent, lost staff in the strikes.
In addition, more than 200,000 people have left Lebanon for Syria, fleeing the incessant bombing, according to United Nations data. The country is also facing a growing wave of internal displacement.
4. Diploma and international initiatives:
On the diplomatic front, several initiatives to establish a ceasefire are underway, but they remain fragile. Iran’s foreign minister, during his visit to Beirut and Damascus, confirmed that negotiations are underway to end hostilities, although no concrete details were released. He reaffirmed Iran’s support for Hezbollah and the regional resistance, while threatening a harsh response to any further Israeli attacks.
Emmanuel Macron, for his part, called for an immediate halt to the delivery of weapons used against civilians in the Gaza Strip, while insisting on the need to avoid an escalation in Lebanon. France is playing a key role in mediation efforts to ease tensions, although the situation on the ground makes meaningful progress difficult.
The United States announced a new $157 million humanitarian assistance package for Lebanon to address the consequences of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Nevertheless, Washington remains in discussions with Israel regarding ongoing military operations, particularly those in southern Lebanon.
