Israeli airstrikes ravage southern Lebanon, dozens dead in 48 hours

Escalation of Violence in Lebanon

Israeli air raids have targeted a house in the town of Burj Shemali in southern Lebanon, marking another intense phase in the ongoing conflict. Over the past two days, dozens of people have been reported killed across the war-battered country, highlighting the severity of the situation on this critical front of the broader conflict initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Further south, Israeli forces shelled the entrances to the towns of Chihine and Marwahin, which are near the border with Israel, according to the official National News Agency (NNA) report on Thursday. Additionally, Israeli warplanes launched two air strikes overnight near homes in al-Sarira in the Jezzine district, also in the south. These strikes caused cracks in houses and shattered windows, as reported by NNA.

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health stated that at least 45 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon over the past two days, with more than 100 injured, including children. The violence has spread across the country, affecting areas such as the capital, Beirut, Baalbek in the east, and Sidon in the south.

Intensified Fighting in Beirut

Israeli strikes hit central Beirut multiple times on Wednesday as fighting with Hezbollah intensified. The Lebanese-armed group announced that their troops destroyed six Israeli Merkava tanks in southern Lebanon. This attack occurred during an attempt by Israeli forces to advance into the town of Taybeh towards the Deir Siryan area, according to Hezbollah.

Since March 2, Lebanese authorities have reported at least 968 people killed in Israeli strikes. The World Health Organization noted that more than 100 of those killed were children, underscoring the tragic impact of the conflict on the most vulnerable populations.

Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement

The United Nations warned on Wednesday that more than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the escalating Israeli attacks. Nearly one-third of those uprooted are children, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

International Response and Diplomatic Efforts

In response to the crisis, top French diplomat Jean-Noel Barrot will arrive in Lebanon on Thursday to show “France’s support and solidarity with the Lebanese people,” according to his office. Barrot will meet with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, as reported by NNA.

Barrot will speak with his Israeli and US counterparts earlier on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for international support. The statement from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs cited the people of Lebanon as being “dragged into a war they didn’t choose.”

Meanwhile, the European Union has called on Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon. A spokesperson for the EU expressed deep concern about the ongoing Israeli offensive, noting the devastating humanitarian consequences and the risk of triggering a prolonged conflict. The EU urged Israel to cease its operations in Lebanon.