Beirut: Israeli forces escalated their military campaign against Hezbollah on Friday, launching airstrikes on southern Lebanon and the outskirts of Beirut. These strikes killed at least five medics and targeted key areas, intensifying ongoing clashes with Hezbollah fighters along the border.
The strikes coincide with diplomatic efforts led by U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein, who described a potential truce as “within our grasp.” Hochstein, after meeting Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, returned to Washington. However, hopes for an imminent ceasefire remain dim as Israel continues its offensive.
Ground Advances and Border Clashes
Israeli troops pushed deeper into Lebanon, targeting the edges of Khiyam, a strategic town six kilometers from the border. Hezbollah responded with multiple rocket attacks on Israeli forces east of Khiyam, according to statements from the group. Lebanese security sources confirmed that Israeli troops advanced in several villages, likely aiming to isolate Khiyam before a full-scale attack.
Deadly Airstrikes
An Israeli airstrike in Baalbek province struck near Dar Al-Amal University Hospital, killing the hospital’s director and six colleagues, Lebanon’s health ministry reported. Additional airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed five medics affiliated with Hezbollah’s rescue force.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli strikes over the past year have killed more than 3,500 people, including over 200 medics.
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UNIFIL Base Incident
In southern Lebanon, two rockets hit a base operated by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), injuring four Italian peacekeepers. An investigation is underway, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani suggesting Hezbollah’s potential involvement.
Evacuation Warnings and Strikes
In Beirut’s southern suburbs, Israeli airstrikes targeted residential areas following evacuation warnings issued on X (formerly Twitter). Abeer Darwich, a resident whose building was destroyed, expressed despair:
“Do you know that most of the apartments’ owners took credit to buy those houses? Life savings are gone, memories and safety… which Israel decided to steal from us,” she said.
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Reuters footage captured one strike collapsing a multi-story building into a cloud of dust. These strikes aim to counter rocket attacks by Hezbollah, which intensified in October 2023 as the group expressed support for Hamas during the Gaza conflict.
Rising Casualties
The prolonged hostilities have resulted in thousands of casualties, widespread destruction, and escalating tensions in the region. Israeli forces maintain that their objective is to secure the northern border and enable the safe return of displaced citizens.
