**Tragic Collapse: Israeli Strike on Civilian Building Claims Dozens Amid Escalating Conflict**

Sun Mar 16 2025 20:28:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
**Tragic Collapse: Israeli Strike on Civilian Building Claims Dozens Amid Escalating Conflict**

An investigation reveals shocking civilian death toll in Ain El Delb as claims of Hezbollah presence are scrutinized.


IDF's assertion of targeting a Hezbollah command center contradicted by evidence showing major casualties were civilians, including many children.

15 hours ago
Nawal al-Maghafi, Senior international investigations correspondent, BBC World Service

In the heart of a conflict that continues to escalate, a family tragedy unfolded in the calm confines of Ain El Delb, southern Lebanon. As tensions flared between Israel and Hezbollah, Julia Ramadan found herself caught in a nightmare turned real when she took refuge with her brother Ashraf in what he assured her was a safe apartment. The grim reality was revealed just days later, on 29 September, when Israeli missiles struck their building, leading to the deadliest attack in the current round of hostilities, claiming the lives of 73 individuals.

While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) defended their actions by stating they targeted a Hezbollah "terrorist command center," an investigation by BBC divulged that only a handful of the deceased were linked to the militant organization, raising questions about the legitimacy of the IDF's justifications. Among the confirmed casualties, over 60 were identified as civilians, including 23 children—out of which some were mere infants.

Eyewitness accounts described the horror of the attack, with Ashraf recalling the harrowing moment as the building trembled and collapsed around them. Grieving for his sister Julia, who suffocated beneath the rubble, Ashraf's heart-wrenching plea resonated with many others who lost family members in the attack.

The tragedy extended beyond Julia's family. The strike also took the life of Mohammed Fares, a reservist for Hezbollah, as well as other families who sought refuge under the belief that they were safe. Batoul Fares, who had just fled bombardment in another part of Lebanon, lost her husband and her four-year-old daughter in the catastrophic strike.

Despite the IDF asserting that collateral damage was accounted for under international law, testimonies from residents indicate that no warnings were given prior to the airstrike. UN officials have expressed concerns over the proportionality of recent Israeli operations, especially in densely populated residential areas.

This attack constitutes the deadliest Israeli assault on a building in Lebanon in nearly two decades, highlighting the severe toll and the complex intersection between military targets and civilian casualties. As the conflict draws on, families continue to seek closure, grappling with immense loss amidst unrelenting violence. Both Ashraf and other survivors are left searching through the remnants, desperately clinging to mementos of lives forever altered by the ravages of war.

MORE ON THEME

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 09:32:52 GMT

The Unfolding Dilemma: Ultra-Orthodox Enlistment in Israel's Military

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 09:32:52 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:56:02 GMT

**Tragic Loss of Humanitarian Workers Amid Strikes in Gaza: Al Khair Foundation Reports Casualties**

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:56:02 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:59:17 GMT

High-Ranking Islamic State Leader Neutralized in Coordinated Strike**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:59:17 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:56:31 GMT

Admitted Hezbollah Terrorist Released: A Year of Risks Under Biden's Border Policies

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:56:31 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:04:02 GMT

### Ongoing Strife: Israel's Military Actions in Gaza Despite Truce

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:04:02 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 12:21:53 GMT

**Syrian Druse Pilgrimage Marks Shift in Israel-Syria Relations**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 12:21:53 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 11:48:17 GMT

**Russia Intensifies Military Push in Kursk Amid Cease-Fire Dialogue**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 11:48:17 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:44:00 GMT

US Denies Hamas Requests as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Fail: The Path Forward Remains Unclear

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 10:44:00 GMT
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 09:33:19 GMT

**Gaza Crisis Deepens as Aid Blockade Resumes Amid Ramadan Shortages**

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 09:33:19 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 21:44:37 GMT

Uncertain Path to Ceasefire as Diplomatic Friction Intensifies**

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 21:44:37 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:26:57 GMT

Islamic State Leader Neutralized in Joint U.S.-Iraqi Strike: New Challenges Ahead

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:26:57 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:41:02 GMT

Unfolding Tensions: Russia Reclaims Ground in Kursk as Ceasefire Talks Loom**

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:41:02 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:21:00 GMT

**Syria's Alawite Families Seek Refuge Amid Surge in Sectarian Violence**

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:21:00 GMT
Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:31:23 GMT

Hamas Agrees to Potential Release of Hostages in Gaza Negotiations

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:31:23 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:02:24 GMT

Front-Line Troops Skeptical of Peace as War Rages On

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:02:24 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:23:08 GMT

U.N. Report Alleges Genocidal Actions by Israel in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict**

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:23:08 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:42:12 GMT

### Ukraine's Soldiers Skeptical of Peace Prospects Amid Ongoing Conflict

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:42:12 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:40:15 GMT

National Rally's Leadership Shift: Heading to Israel

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:40:15 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:18:43 GMT

Israel-Hamas Negotiations Stalled as Focus Shifts to Ukraine

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:18:43 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:35:01 GMT

Naples Residents Forced to Sleep Outdoors Following Strong Earthquake

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:35:01 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.