Israel’s airstrikes over Lebanon on Saturday have reportedly killed at least 40 people, including several children, as the Israeli Air Force intensified its offensive on Hezbollah’s infrastructure. In a major operation near Beirut and other locations, Israeli forces targeted what they described as Hezbollah’s “operational apartments” and weapons storage sites.
Over the weekend, the Israeli military said on X, (formerly Twitter) that more than 100 targets were hit in various areas of Lebanon, with the operation resulting in numerous casualties. “Terrorists, weapon storage depots, and operational apartments: The Israeli Air Force attacked terrorist targets in the Baalbek and
The Lebanese health ministry confirmed the toll, with 40 fatalities, including seven medics from Hezbollah and its ally Amal, killed in nearby towns as they attempted rescue efforts. Israeli strikes in the city of Tyre on Friday night resulted in seven additional deaths, including two children. Lebanese authorities have launched rescue operations, with efforts ongoing to identify body parts recovered from rubble near Tyre.
On Saturday, Israeli forces also targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Baalbek, the ministry added, with over 20 casualties reported in the eastern city. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported a year-long toll of over 3,000 deaths and nearly 14,000 injuries as a result of ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which have intensified in recent weeks. Israel and Hezbollah, have entered a new phase of intensified conflict.
This escalation followed Hezbollah’s support for Hamas in Gaza, which has engaged in its own conflict with Israel since a high-casualty attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023. Since then, Hezbollah has conducted almost daily strikes on northern Israel, and on Saturday alone, the group claimed more than 20 operations, including a recent strike on a military facility south of Tel Aviv.
Controversy over flag burning.
The Israeli military condemned the actions of several soldiers shown in a circulating video burning a Lebanese flag in southern Lebanon, where they are currently engaged in the conflict with Hezbollah. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that the flag-burning act was a violation of orders and “inconsistent Tyre areas,” the statement read.
