October 5th 2024.
Tel Aviv: On Saturday, Israel escalated its bombardment in Lebanon by launching a dozen airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and targeting a Palestinian refugee camp in the north. This marks the first time Israel has struck the camp, as they aim to attack both Hezbollah and Hamas fighters.
The conflict in the region has caused tens of thousands of people, including Palestinian refugees, to flee their homes. Meanwhile, rallies around the world have taken place to mark the approaching anniversary of the start of the war in Gaza.
Hamas reported that Israel's attack on the Beddawi camp near Tripoli resulted in the death of an official from their military wing, along with his wife and two young daughters. Later, they also confirmed the death of another member in the eastern Bekaa Valley due to an Israeli strike. Israel's military, on the other hand, claimed to have killed two senior officials from Hamas' military wing in Lebanon, where fighting has intensified in recent weeks. This adds to the list of Hamas officials killed by Israel since the start of the war, along with the top leadership of Hezbollah, who are based in Lebanon.
The skyline over Beirut's densely populated southern suburbs was dominated by plumes of smoke as Israel targeted Hezbollah commanders and military equipment. Their goal is to push the militant group away from shared borders. However, this has resulted in a devastating toll on Lebanon, with over 1,400 deaths, including civilians, paramedics, and Hezbollah fighters. Additionally, 1.2 million people have been displaced from their homes in less than two weeks.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing, with the latter showing support for Hamas by firing rockets into Israel shortly after their attack on October 7. Israel responded with a limited ground operation into southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of longtime Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other members. In return, nine Israeli soldiers have been killed in intense ground clashes, with Israel claiming to have killed 250 Hezbollah fighters.
On Saturday, Israel's military reported that about 90 projectiles were fired into their territory from Lebanon, with most being intercepted. However, several fell in the northern Arab town of Deir al-Asad, injuring three people. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that attempts are being made to reach a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, with initiatives from regional and outside countries.
As the conflict continues, more and more people are fleeing Lebanon on foot, with at least six people being killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight and into Saturday. The National News Agency reported that nearly 375,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria in less than two weeks, seeking refuge from the Israeli strikes. The Masnaa Border Crossing, which many have been using to escape, has been heavily damaged by Israeli airstrikes. It is believed that much of Hezbollah's weaponry comes from Iran through Syria.
Israel's military has claimed to have carried out targeted ground raids against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, destroying missiles, launchpads, watchtowers, and weapons storage facilities. They also reported dismantling tunnel shafts used by Hezbollah to approach the Israeli border.
In Gaza, Palestinian medical officials reported that Israeli strikes on Saturday killed at least nine people, with five being killed in the northern town of Beit Hanoun, including two children. Another strike hit a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp, resulting in four deaths. Israel has long accused Hamas of operating from within civilian areas, but Palestinians claim that innocent civilians are being targeted.
In Gaza City's Zaytoun neighborhood, an airstrike killed two children. Israel's military warned Palestinians to evacuate along the strategic Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, a key point of contention in ceasefire negotiations. People in parts of the Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps were ordered to evacuate to Muwasi, a designated humanitarian zone. However, it is unclear how many people are in the affected areas.
The toll on Gaza has been devastating, with almost 42,000 Palestinians killed and 90% of the population displaced. Despite the Health Ministry's reports, it is difficult to differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. The destruction in Gaza is widespread, leaving many without homes or basic necessities.
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