Death Toll Rises in Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

An Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre left at least seven people dead, including five siblings, three of whom were deaf and mute, officials and a resident said Saturday. Elsewhere in Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes killed 31 people.

Airstrikes Continue Across Lebanon

The rise in Tyre’s death toll came as Israel’s air force carried out airstrikes on different parts of southern and eastern Lebanon on Saturday hours after Beirut’s southern suburbs were pounded by jets, destroying several buildings, state media reported.

The Health Ministry said late Saturday that the airstrikes on towns and villages in the eastern Bekaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel province left 20 people dead while those in two villages in south Lebanon killed 11 people, including five paramedics.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah group said it fired dozens of rockets on northern Israel and shot down a drone over south Lebanon. The group said that Israel’s air force struck the area where the drone crashed. There was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli military.

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

The Health Ministry said the strikes on Tyre late Friday night also wounded 46 people. It added that remains also were found in rubble and DNA tests will be used to identify the victims.

Youssef Jundi, a Tyre resident, told The Associated Press that the airstrikes destroyed several buildings in the coastal city.

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Background on the Conflict

More than 3,000 people were killed in Lebanon during the 13 months of the Israel-Hezbollah war.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas’ surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran.

For nearly a year, the conflict was mostly contained to the areas along the border between Israel and Lebanon. The conflict dramatically escalated on Sept. 23 with intense Israeli airstrikes on south and east Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs, leaving hundreds dead and leading to the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people.

Confrontation Continues

Israel began a ground invasion of south Lebanon on Oct. 1, causing wide destruction in border villages but making little advances on the ground inside Lebanon. Israel says it is destroying Hezbollah weapons and command centers near the border, including an extensive tunnel system built by Hezbollah.

Conclusion

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in devastating loss of life and destruction, with no end in sight. The humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, with millions displaced and thousands killed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current death toll in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict?
A: At least 7 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tyre, and 31 people were killed elsewhere in Lebanon.

Q: Who is responsible for the violence in the conflict?
A: Both Israel and Hezbollah have been involved in the violence, with each side accusing the other of starting the conflict.

Q: What is the current situation in Lebanon?
A: The country is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and thousands killed. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides trading airstrikes and military blows.

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