Israeli Military conducts airstrike on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon
- In Reports
- 03:38 PM, Oct 05, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it conducted an airstrike targeting Hezbollah fighters inside a mosque in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This operation is the first of its kind since clashes intensified between Israel and Hezbollah last year.
In a detailed statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israel Air Force (IAF) reported that the airstrike was executed with precise coordination under the guidance of IDF intelligence. The military stated, "Overnight, the IAF struck Hezbollah terrorists operating within a command centre located inside a mosque adjacent to the Salah Ghandour Hospital in southern Lebanon." The IDF claims this command centre was being used by Hezbollah to plan and carry out attacks against Israeli troops and the state of Israel.
The airstrike had immediate consequences. The Salah Ghandour Hospital, affiliated with Hezbollah's Islamic Health Committee, reported that nine medical and nursing staff members were injured, with most suffering serious injuries. The hospital had received a warning from Israel to evacuate before the strike, highlighting the tensions surrounding the operation. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency confirmed that the grounds of the hospital in the southern town of Bint Jbeil were subjected to heavy shelling during the incident.
Hospital director Mohammed Sleiman spoke to the media, stating that the facility sustained a direct hit, necessitating its evacuation. The airstrike further complicates an already volatile situation in southern Lebanon, where humanitarian conditions have been deteriorating.
The airstrike comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, as Hezbollah and other militant groups ramp up their activities in response to ongoing Israeli airstrikes and military operations. Since clashes resumed on September 23, the humanitarian crisis has worsened significantly, with reports indicating over 1,110 fatalities in the region. The situation remains precarious as both sides continue to engage in hostilities, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the area.
As the conflict unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution to the violence that has plagued the region for years. The impact of this airstrike on the broader geopolitical landscape remains to be seen.
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