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Israel kills at least 21 in strike on Christian town in north Lebanon

Lebanese army soldier stands near destroyed vehicles at a site damaged by an Israeli air strike in the Christian-majority region of Aitou in north Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry said, October 14, 2024. REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim 

Israel Expands Military Operations in Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict with Hezbollah

Airstrike in Northern Lebanon Kills 21

On Monday, Israel expanded its military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, launching airstrikes that killed at least 21 people in the northern town of Aitou, according to Lebanese health officials. The strike targeted a house rented by displaced families, as confirmed by Aitou’s mayor, Joseph Trad. In addition to the fatalities, eight people were injured. Rescue workers were seen sifting through rubble, with burned vehicles and trees scattered around the scene.

Israel’s military operations have primarily focused on southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s suburbs, but this latest strike in a Christian-majority area marks an expansion of the campaign.

Evacuation Orders and Retaliation

Israel ordered residents of 25 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate to areas north of the Awali River, 60 km (35 miles) from the Israeli border, further intensifying the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to a military base where four Israeli soldiers were killed by a Hezbollah drone strike, vowed that Israel would continue targeting Hezbollah “without mercy, everywhere in Lebanon – including Beirut.”

The Israeli military reported that approximately 115 projectiles were fired by Hezbollah into Israel on Monday, with three intercepted by Israel’s defense systems. No injuries were reported on the Israeli side as millions of Israelis took shelter from the incoming attacks.

Conflict Background and Toll

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which resumed over a year ago when Hezbollah began firing rockets in support of Hamas during the Gaza war, has seen a dramatic escalation. The Israeli military campaign has led to the deaths of at least 2,309 people in Lebanon over the past year, according to Lebanese government reports. These figures, which do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, indicate the heavy toll of Israeli airstrikes, particularly since the military campaign was expanded in late September.

Hezbollah Commander Killed

In a targeted strike, Israel reported the killing of Muhammad Kamel Naim, commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force’s anti-tank missile unit, in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has not issued a statement regarding Naim’s death.

Tensions with UN Peacekeeping Forces

As Israeli forces have moved further into southern Lebanon, tensions have arisen with the U.N. peacekeeping force, UNIFIL. On Sunday, Israeli tanks reportedly entered a UNIFIL base, sparking accusations of endangering peacekeepers. Netanyahu denied these allegations, calling them “completely false” and urged UNIFIL personnel to withdraw from combat zones close to the border.

UNIFIL, however, emphasized its commitment to remaining in the region. Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, in a video posted on social media, reaffirmed the mission’s determination to stay under the U.N. Security Council mandate.

International Reactions and Concerns

Amid the escalating conflict, the U.S. has moved to support Israel. The Pentagon announced on Sunday that it would deploy U.S. troops and an advanced anti-missile system to Israel. The U.S. embassy in Lebanon also strongly advised American citizens to leave the country, warning that government-facilitated evacuation flights may soon come to an end.

The conflict has heightened regional tensions, with many in the Middle East on alert for possible Israeli retaliation against Iran following an October 1 missile barrage that was seen as a response to Israel’s assaults on Lebanon.

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