UPDATE: An Israeli airstrike on a car in Tiri, southern Lebanon, has just claimed the life of one individual and left 11 injured, including students traveling on a nearby school bus. The Lebanese Health Ministry and state media confirmed the incident occurred on the morning of November 1, 2023, intensifying fears of further conflict in the region.
This latest strike follows a deadly Israeli drone attack just hours prior on the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, which resulted in 13 fatalities and additional injuries. The violence marks a significant escalation, as it is the deadliest in a series of strikes since the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war last year.
Reports indicate that a school bus was passing near the targeted vehicle during the airstrike, leading to injuries among the driver and several students. The identity of the deceased individual remains unknown as of now. The Israeli military has yet to comment on this latest attack.
At the scene in Tiri, paramedics are actively searching for human remains, while the area is littered with debris, broken glass, and burnt vehicles. The National News Agency in Lebanon has reported on the chaos, capturing the distressing aftermath of the attack.
The Israeli airstrike and the previous drone attack are part of ongoing military operations aimed at Hamas, with officials claiming to target training facilities being used to plan assaults against Israel. Hamas has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the locations struck do not belong to them.
In the broader context, the situation remains tense as Palestinian factions in Lebanon’s 12 refugee camps have begun disarming, with the Lebanese government signaling its intent to address Hezbollah’s armament. However, Hezbollah has rejected disarmament proposals, citing ongoing Israeli occupation and constant strikes as justification.
The U.S. has increased pressure on the Lebanese government to tackle Hezbollah, recently canceling a planned visit by Gen. Rudolph Haikal, the commander of the Lebanese army, amidst growing frustrations over statements blaming Israel for regional instability.
The war that reignited on October 8, 2023, after Hamas launched attacks from Gaza and Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, has already resulted in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians. The devastation has been immense, with damages estimated at $11 billion, according to the World Bank.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging for restraint while tensions escalate. The international community is closely monitoring the unfolding events, with expectations of further military responses and potential humanitarian crises in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to evolve.