Israeli air strikes have destroyed two bridges over the Litani River linking southern Lebanon with the rest of the country, the military announced. This assault comes just hours after Israeli forces indicated they would target crossings purportedly utilized by the Hezbollah group for the transportation of fighters and weapons.
Meanwhile, strikes across various locations in Beirut led to the deaths of at least 12 individuals and left 27 others injured, marking a definitive escalation beyond the southern suburbs into central Beirut.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that a total of 968 people, including 111 children, have been killed in the conflicts since March 2.
As tensions have escalated, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the bridges were targeted as part of a direct action against Hezbollah's use of Lebanon's state infrastructure to further its military agenda. The organization has yet to respond publically to the attacks.
Following the recent assaults, the Israeli military directed civilians near the Litani crossings to evacuate. Just days prior, the Zrarieh Bridge over the river had been extensively damaged due to an Israeli strike.
The Litani River area has historically been crucial in Lebanon's security framework. Under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, armed groups are prohibited from operating south of the river, yet Israel alleges that Hezbollah maintains significant control in the region.
As a result of these latest attacks, a severe humanitarian crisis has deepened in Lebanon, displacing over a million people, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the country where Hezbollah's presence is strongest.
Additionally, overnight strikes targeted the town of Zefta located south of the Litani River.
In Beirut, an Israeli air strike early Wednesday morning led to the destruction of a building in the city center. The Israeli military had previously issued warnings for civilians to evacuate, having already struck this location multiple times.
Eyewitness accounts described chaos following the blasts, with bystanders expressing shock and anger towards the Israeli military actions. Israeli forces claim they are not only targeting Hezbollah fighters but also businesses linked to the group, including the Al Qard Al Hassan organization, infamous for financing military operations.
As hostilities continue, the situation remains dire for civilians caught amidst escalating violence, rendering parts of the city unrecognizable and prompting widespread condemnation.
