Beirut — Israeli warplanes intensified airstrikes across eastern and southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to military sources in Lebanon. The strikes reportedly focused on areas including Baalbek, Hermel, and Western Bekaa, with approximately 70 raids conducted.
Sources speaking anonymously to Xinhua indicated that around 50 airstrikes targeted the village of Arqoub, as well as the towns of Marjeyoun, Bint Jbeil, and Jezzine, and cities like Sidon, Tyre, and Nabatieh. The bombings aimed at Hezbollah positions, an evacuation center, and numerous civilian residences, destroying over 60 homes and severely damaging local electricity infrastructure.
The Lebanese Civil Defence and the Red Cross are currently engaged in rescue operations, clearing rubble and transporting the injured to hospitals. Reports from the National News Agency revealed that 13 members of the Islamic Message Scouts, a local paramedic organization, were injured while responding to a prior strike when a second raid targeted their efforts.
Hezbollah responded by stating that it targeted Israeli military positions, including the Branit barracks, using heavy artillery, which it claims was successfully hit. The group also reported attacking surveillance equipment at the Ramyah site in northern Israel, resulting in its destruction.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the ongoing airstrikes have led to a rising death toll, now at 51, with injuries surpassing 223. Monday and Tuesday marked some of the most extensive Israeli attacks on Lebanon since 2006, resulting in over 550 deaths and more than 1,800 injuries nationwide.
Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin reported that Israel’s bombardment has displaced over 150,000 residents in just the past 72 hours. The alarming escalation of violence has sparked fears of a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with concerns that other regional powers may become involved.
As the situation continues to unfold, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and the international community watches closely for developments in this volatile region.