Israeli airstrikes on two towns in Lebanon’s Baalbek region claimed the lives of 19 people, including eight women, according to a statement from the Lebanese health ministry early Wednesday. The strikes are the latest escalation in the volatile border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, adding to the mounting toll of civilian casualties.
The airstrikes, which targeted residential areas, were reportedly part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities reported extensive destruction in the towns, as emergency responders worked through the night to search for survivors trapped in rubble. Medical teams have struggled to respond to the injured as hospitals in the Baalbek area near capacity amid the influx of casualties from recent strikes.
The intensification of Israeli attacks on Hezbollah-aligned regions in Lebanon marks a troubling escalation in the conflict, which has already caused thousands of fatalities on both sides. Israel has been conducting airstrikes against what it claims are Hezbollah military installations, alleging that the group has launched rocket attacks on Israeli cities from Lebanese territory.
The death toll from the latest strikes has further strained the resources of Lebanese healthcare services. According to the health ministry, the number of civilian casualties continues to rise, with local officials urging international humanitarian aid to assist the thousands displaced by the strikes.
The situation remains tense as Lebanon’s government calls for international intervention to end the hostilities and ensure the safety of civilians. The ongoing crisis in Lebanon has sparked renewed calls for diplomacy, as regional leaders push for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.
