Egypt Daily News – The Lebanese Israeli border has witnessed intense battles marked by continuous Israeli airstrikes using white phosphorus against the civilians and Hezbollah.
Reports indicate that since the early morning hours, Israeli artillery has targeted multiple towns along the border, with notable activity in areas such as Aita al-Shaab, Kfar Kila, and Hanin.
Sources have highlighted the sustained bombardment and the violent confrontations between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters in these regions.
Tragically, the Lebanese army has reported the deaths of three of its soldiers due to Israeli fire while they were evacuating wounded individuals with the Red Cross near Yater-Bint Jbeil.
This incident brings the total military casualties to 11 since late September, amid ongoing hostilities. Additionally, several paramedics have sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate in these exchanges.
In a counter move, the Israeli military announced that it has targeted over 160 Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, claiming to have killed numerous fighters.
Simultaneously, sirens have been activated in northern Israel due to missile strikes originating from Lebanon, with reports of rocket interceptions and injuries to civilians.
Hezbollah has retaliated by launching attacks on Israeli military installations, including targeting a military base north of Haifa. They claim engagements are occurring at “zero distance” in the border town of Aita al-Shaab, asserting that Israeli forces have not fully secured any towns along the border.
This escalation of violence follows a series of Israeli operations aimed at countering Hezbollah’s influence and establishing a buffer zone along the border, particularly north of the Litani River.
The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian consequences, with reports of over 1,500 civilian deaths and approximately 1.2 million people displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon and surrounding areas. As the situation continues to unfold, the potential for further escalation remains a pressing concern for regional stability.
UNIFIL issues a statement on Israel’s use of “white phosphorus” in Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement on Thursday regarding reports indicating that Israeli forces targeted UN soldiers in southern Lebanon multiple times, including the use of white phosphorus that injured 15 soldiers.
The Deputy Spokesperson for UNIFIL, Candice Ardiel, said that since the beginning of the Israeli army’s incursions into Lebanon on October 1, UNIFIL forces have recorded nearly 20 incidents resulting in damage to UN property or facilities.
Ardil explained that most of these incidents were attributed to the fire or actions of the Israeli army, while the source of the rest is unknown.
The damages included the destruction of surveillance cameras, lighting, and fences, in addition to damage to walls, buildings, and vehicles; the demolition of a watchtower, and more.
