Beirut: Reports from security sources reveal that an Israeli strike in a village in southern Lebanon has resulted in the tragic deaths of a Lebanese technician and a medic, raising concerns over escalating tensions in the region.
Lebanon’s Minister of Telecommunications disclosed to the international news agency Reuters on Friday that the fatal strike targeted a Lebanese technician who was contracted by a telecommunications company to repair a phone tower. The same airstrike also claimed the life of a medic associated with a civilian rescue force linked to the Amal Movement, an ally of the Shi’ite Muslim armed group Hezbollah.
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The incident adds to the backdrop of heightened hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, unfolding in tandem with the seven-month-long conflict in Gaza. This marks the most intense confrontation between the two adversaries since their 2006 war, as both sides have escalated their attacks, fueling fears of a broader conflict.
According to telecoms minister Johnny Corm, the strike occurred in the village of Teir Harfa, targeting a team of technicians contracted by the Lebanese telecommunications company, Touch. The technicians were engaged in repairing a power generator at a telecoms tower when the strike occurred, accompanied by medics and Lebanese army soldiers.
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Additional strikes in southern Lebanon on the same day resulted in casualties, including a fighter from Hezbollah and two Palestinian fighters, according to security sources. Several Palestinian factions maintain armed elements in Lebanon and have utilized the territory to launch rockets into Israel.
As of now, the Israeli military has not issued any immediate comments regarding the strikes on Friday.
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The ongoing Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon has exacted a heavy toll, claiming the lives of over 270 Hezbollah fighters, more than 30 Palestinian fighters, and over 70 civilians, including children, medics, and journalists. In retaliation, rockets fired by Hezbollah and other groups have resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen Israeli soldiers and a similar number of civilians.
Hezbollah has reiterated its stance, asserting its readiness to cease fire if Israel halts its offensive in Gaza. However, the organization has also signaled its preparedness to continue fighting if Israeli attacks persist in Lebanon.
