As of September 23, 2024, over a thousand airstrikes carried out by Israel have hit different parts of Lebanon, killing over 1,400 civilians, the majority of whom are women and children, and injuring several thousands. The Attacks, which have been regarded as part of the further escalation in conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, have also affected housing, businesses, and other key infrastructures across southern Lebanon.
At the wake of escalating violence, Lebanese civilians are under great risk; hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, while the vital routes through which humanitarian aid is delivered have been disrupted. The situation has prompted urgent calls for an international investigation into possible violations of International Humanitarian Law.
The victims include Lebanese civilians, as well as medical workers, trapped in attacks on hospitals and ambulances. The Israeli military said it targeted more than 1,600 Hezbollah sites in response to Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel, which wounded several people. The Lebanese Shia militia group Hezbollah has continued to fire rockets deep into Israel. The strikes are hitting crucial infrastructure, including major border crossings with Syria, such as Masnaa, which had been the only functioning entry and exit point for both people and goods from Lebanon. Reports are coming in of civilians stranded on damaged roads under fire.
The international community has condemned the violence, appealing for restraint by both sides. Human Rights Watch has called for an independent inquiry into the hostilities, while the UN has voiced concern over violations of the laws of war, particularly the duty to take all feasible precautions to spare civilians. So far, diplomatic pressure has yet to succeed in bringing the hostilities to an end. Access for humanitarian aid is strictly limited, with local authorities unable to maintain safe evacuation routes because of the ongoing attacks.
To read more, visit:
- Human Rights Watch Article - Lebanon: Israeli Strikes Kill Hundreds as Hostilities Escalate- September 25
- Human Rights Watch Article - Lebanon: Israeli Strikes Impede Fleeing Civilians, Aid- October 7
- CNN, Israel expands ground offensive in Lebanon
- The Washington Post, Israel sends more ground troops to Lebanon; strike on Syrian capital kills 7, injures 11
- Al Jazeera, UN warns escalating Israel-Hezbollah violence risks devastating conflict
