Israeli strikes on Lebanon near Baalbek leave 40 dead, health ministry says
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon claimed 40 lives on Wednesday near the eastern city of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
For over a year, Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have exchanged fire in a conflict complicated by the Gaza war. However, since late September, hostilities have escalated, with intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, and ground incursions into border villages.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military ordered evacuations in parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, followed by bombing that night and early Thursday morning. Local station Al Jadeed TV reported at least four strikes on Thursday, but no immediate details or casualties were available.
Hezbollah’s secretary general, Naim Qassem, stated Wednesday that political efforts to end the violence seem futile, but he indicated indirect negotiations could be an option if Israel halts its attacks.
“When the enemy decides to stop the aggression, there is a path for negotiations that we have clearly defined – indirect negotiations through the Lebanese state and speaker (of parliament Nabih) Berri,” Qassem said.
U.S. diplomatic efforts, including a 60-day ceasefire proposal, stalled last week, just ahead of the American election, in which former President Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency.
Over 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes in the past year, with most fatalities occurring in the last six weeks.
