Egypt Daily News – Israel continued its intense night airstrikes reported on October 6, 2024 with over 30 air raids targeting Hezbollah positions, leading to widespread devastation and a plume of smoke engulfing the area.
According to the Israeli army, these strikes were aimed at weapon depots and infrastructure associated with Hezbollah, which retaliated with approximately 130 rocket attacks towards Israel.
Eyewitness reports from the Sabra region describe scenes of panic as residents fled amidst the cacophony of explosions, seeking safety either on foot or via motorcycles. Concurrently, airstrikes also extended into southern Lebanon, affecting multiple villages.
Hezbollah claimed to have engaged Israeli forces, targeting an army unit that attempted to infiltrate the Bint Jbeil region and executing drone strikes on an Israeli military base in northern Israel.
Within this heightened conflict, the Israeli military has reported significant casualties on the Hezbollah side, claiming the deaths of around 440 militants, including 30 leaders in recent operations. The toll on the civilian population has also been severe.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health provided an update indicating that Israeli airstrikes on Saturday resulted in 23 civilian deaths and 93 injuries across various regions in Lebanon. In Gaza, the conflict continues unabated, with Israeli airstrikes leading to substantial civilian casualties, including the deaths of at least 24 Palestinians following strikes on a mosque and a shelter housing displaced individuals.
The overall death toll in Gaza has surged to an alarming 41,870, according to Hamas-affiliated health authorities, amidst ongoing encirclement of the northern region by Israeli forces.
International calls for de-escalation are increasing, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging an end to the violence in both Gaza and Lebanon, demanding the release of hostages, and calling for international humanitarian access.
He highlighted the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in both regions, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati added to these calls, advocating for pressure to be placed on Israel to cease operations and adhere to previous resolutions aimed at maintaining peace.
The ongoing violence has led to significant humanitarian challenges in Lebanon, with increased poverty and displacement due to the conflict.
