November 24th 2024.
In Beirut, Lebanon, a series of Israeli airstrikes on Saturday caused significant damage and loss of life in the central part of the city. Officials reported at least 20 deaths and 66 injuries, making it the fourth such attack in less than a week. These strikes come amidst ongoing efforts by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, as the conflict between them has escalated into a full-scale war.
According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, the total death toll from Israeli attacks has now surpassed 3,500, with another 1.2 million people displaced and 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians killed on the Israeli side. The latest airstrike, which occurred at 4 a.m., destroyed an eight-story building in central Beirut. A Hezbollah legislator confirmed that no members of the organization were present at the time of the attack, but the surrounding area was heavily damaged, including nearby buildings and cars.
The Lebanese Civil Defense team described the challenges of responding to the attacks in a residential area with densely-packed buildings and narrow streets. Meanwhile, Israel's military has not provided any comment on the casualties caused by their airstrikes. In a separate incident on Saturday, a drone strike in the southern city of Tyre killed two people and injured three, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.
The victims in this incident were Palestinian refugees from a nearby camp who were out fishing, according to a spokesperson for the Fatah Palestinian faction in the area. This attack highlights the ongoing struggles faced by civilians in the region, as they try to go about their daily lives amid the conflict. Despite a warning from Israel's army to avoid the southern coast of Lebanon, many are still forced to fish for their livelihood.
In addition to these deadly attacks in Lebanon, there have also been strikes in the Gaza Strip, causing significant damage and loss of life. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported at least 80 deaths in northern Gaza on Thursday and Friday, with dozens more trapped under rubble. Israel's army has denied knowledge of some of these attacks, but the death toll continues to rise.
In the southern city of Khan Younis, at least six people, including three children and two women, were killed on Saturday, according to eyewitnesses and staff at a local hospital. Families are mourning the loss of loved ones, including a father who found his son dead and his other son injured after being awoken by dust, smoke, and fire in the middle of the night. Another father was seen carrying his child's body, crying in grief.
With the death toll in the ongoing conflict reaching over 44,000, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, and the majority of these deaths being women and children, it is clear that innocent civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence. The war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023 when militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in hundreds of deaths and abductions. The offensive has displaced around 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million people, with many living in tent camps with limited access to basic necessities.
Despite efforts to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon, there are still sticking points that need to be addressed. One of the key issues is the removal of Hezbollah's weapons from the border area, with Israel insisting on more guarantees, while Lebanon argues that this would violate their sovereignty. There is also a dispute over which countries should sit on the monitoring committee, with Israel refusing France and Lebanon refusing Britain.
Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Jordan have also risen, with an attack on a Jordanian police patrol near the Israeli Embassy. The perpetrator was shot and killed by security forces, and three officers were injured. This incident further highlights the regional impact of the ongoing conflict and the need for a resolution.
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