Lebanon Reports 5 Killed in Latest Israeli Strikes

AFP

**Beirut** – Lebanon's Health Ministry reported early Wednesday that Israeli airstrikes in the country's eastern Bekaa Valley resulted in the death of one person and injuries to 20 others. This followed a separate incident in southern Lebanon where four people were killed in similar strikes. 

The latest strikes occurred more than 24 hours after Israel conducted a series of raids deep into eastern Lebanon. Tensions have heightened following the recent Israeli killing of a senior Hezbollah commander, further escalating the conflict.

According to the Health Ministry, the attacks on the Bekaa Valley, near the city of Baalbek and the village of Nabi Sheet, resulted in one fatality and left one person in critical condition. Among the wounded were eight children and a pregnant woman, all reported to be in moderate condition.

Hezbollah sources indicated that several targets in the Bekaa Valley were struck, though specific details on the targets were not disclosed. Local hospital reports revealed that five children, all from the same family and aged no older than 10, were among those injured.

The new strikes followed similar raids on the Bekaa region on Monday evening, which Israel claimed were aimed at "Hezbollah weapons storage facilities." This recent escalation also coincides with Hezbollah's announcement of the deaths of four of its fighters in the southern border village of Dhayra.

The violence has largely been concentrated along the Lebanon-Israel border, although Israeli strikes have also targeted areas in the Bekaa Valley, which lies close to the Syrian border where Hezbollah maintains a significant presence. Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

In retaliation for the Israeli strikes, Hezbollah launched a series of attacks on Israeli military positions. These included Katyusha rocket barrages aimed at northern Israeli military sites and explosive-laden drones targeting positions in the Golan Heights.

The Israeli military reported intercepting around 115 projectiles from Lebanon and several suspicious aerial targets. Although there were no reported injuries on the Israeli side, the attacks caused fires in some areas. The Israeli forces also targeted missile launchers and several Hezbollah military structures in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon's Health Ministry condemned the targeting of health workers, reporting that three emergency personnel from the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee were injured when their ambulance was struck by Israeli forces. This incident follows a troubling pattern of attacks on emergency services, with at least 21 rescue workers killed since October.

The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides. In Lebanon, around 590 people have died, including Hezbollah fighters and at least 128 civilians. On the Israeli side, including the Golan Heights, 23 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed.

The recent escalations come amid broader regional tensions, with Hezbollah and Iran vowing retaliation for recent targeted killings. An Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs killed a top Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, shortly before an attack in Tehran, blamed on Israel, killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation as both sides continue their exchange of attacks.