Israeli airstrikes in the Baalbek region of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley on Wednesday resulted in at least 40 deaths and 53 injuries. The attacks were reportedly aimed at areas associated with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has intensified in recent months alongside Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.
Over the past year, Israeli forces have increasingly targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon and its border regions. Just days before the Baalbek attack, Israel struck a building in Barja, south of Beirut, killing at least 20 people. Hezbollah has retaliated by firing missiles at Israeli military sites, including a base near Ben Gurion Airport.
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The violence has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, with the UN and various humanitarian organizations expressing grave concern over the mounting civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The death toll in Lebanon has surpassed 3,000, and over a million people have been displaced since the conflict’s escalation in late September.
Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, including a US-brokered 60-day ceasefire proposal, have stalled, with the US presidential election further complicating the situation. Both Israel and Hezbollah show no signs of de-escalating the conflict, raising concerns of broader regional instability.
