Twelve people have been confirmed dead following Israeli air strikes in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, marking a serious escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Escalation in Bekaa Valley: Israeli Air Strikes Claim 12 Lives
Escalation in Bekaa Valley: Israeli Air Strikes Claim 12 Lives
Recent air strikes in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley highlight tensions as casualties rise amidst ongoing conflicts.
The governor of the Baalbek-Hermel region, Bachir Khodr, reported that among the deceased were a family of five Syrians and three Lebanese nationals. This incident occurred in the Wadi Faara area, with additional fatalities noted in the Shmustar region. The Israeli military conducted these operations targeting various military facilities operated by Hezbollah, particularly focusing on the elite Radwan Force, which has been a central element in ongoing confrontations.
This attack has triggered concerns as it represents the most severe breach of the recent ceasefire which ended a protracted conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that had left the latter considerably weakened. Hezbollah has remained silent regarding the attacks, while its media outlet, Al-Manar, criticized the strikes as violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the ceasefire.
IDF spokesperson Lt Col Avichay Adraee stated that these strikes were necessary to counter Hezbollah's military build-up in the Bekaa Valley, which is perceived as a direct threat to Israel. The offensive by the IDF is a response to Hezbollah's attempts to re-establish its operational capabilities after significant losses in previous conflicts.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz further emphasized the gravity of the situation and the commitment to respond robustly to any resurgence in Hezbollah's military strength. The ceasefire brokered by US officials in November included stipulations directed at disarming all armed groups in Lebanon, while also outlining the requirement for Israel to withdraw fully from Lebanon, a condition that remains only partially fulfilled.
As schools in the Beirut suburbs brace for potential escalation, the fragile situation remains precarious, with fears of renewed conflict looming ever larger over the region.
This attack has triggered concerns as it represents the most severe breach of the recent ceasefire which ended a protracted conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that had left the latter considerably weakened. Hezbollah has remained silent regarding the attacks, while its media outlet, Al-Manar, criticized the strikes as violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the ceasefire.
IDF spokesperson Lt Col Avichay Adraee stated that these strikes were necessary to counter Hezbollah's military build-up in the Bekaa Valley, which is perceived as a direct threat to Israel. The offensive by the IDF is a response to Hezbollah's attempts to re-establish its operational capabilities after significant losses in previous conflicts.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz further emphasized the gravity of the situation and the commitment to respond robustly to any resurgence in Hezbollah's military strength. The ceasefire brokered by US officials in November included stipulations directed at disarming all armed groups in Lebanon, while also outlining the requirement for Israel to withdraw fully from Lebanon, a condition that remains only partially fulfilled.
As schools in the Beirut suburbs brace for potential escalation, the fragile situation remains precarious, with fears of renewed conflict looming ever larger over the region.
