Escalating Tensions: Israel’s Airstrikes on Lebanon
Israel has intensified its military operations against Lebanon, launching a series of airstrikes that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) assert are aimed at legitimate Hezbollah targets. The latest wave of attacks occurred on Thursday, with significant airstrikes reported in the early hours over southern Beirut, including a location near Lebanon’s sole international airport.
Prior to the strikes, the IDF issued an evacuation warning for the vicinity, claiming the presence of Hezbollah facilities; however, specific details were not disclosed. Local residents, such as Hassan Jaafil, contest these assertions, stating, “These are people’s private properties. May God help the people. It’s just harm for the sake of harm.” Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties from these strikes, and the airport itself remained unscathed, with Middle East Airlines continuing to operate its commercial flights.
Later that day, an Israeli drone attack targeted a vehicle at an army checkpoint in Sidon, a southern port city, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to seven others, including United Nations peacekeepers. According to the Lebanese military, among the injured were three Lebanese soldiers and four Malaysian UN peacekeepers who were passing through the area. Information regarding the identities of the deceased has not yet been released. Additionally, another drone strike occurred early Thursday, hitting a car on a major highway just outside Beirut, killing a woman, as reported by local media.
Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites
On the same day, approximately 100 members of Lebanon’s parliament sent an urgent appeal to UNESCO, calling for the protection of the nation’s cultural heritage sites. This plea came in the wake of Israeli airstrikes that have targeted areas in close proximity to archaeological landmarks across Lebanon, including the ancient city of Baalbek and the southern coastal city of Tyre.
Legislator Najat Saliba, who read the statement in parliament alongside her colleagues, emphasized, “During the destructive war on Lebanon, Israel committed serious atrocities and violations of human rights.” The message, directed to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay, urged for the safeguarding of historic sites, particularly in Baalbek, Tyre, and other culturally significant areas that are increasingly at risk due to escalating violence. Reports indicated that an Israeli airstrike recently struck perilously close to the Roman ruins in Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its impressive and well-preserved Roman temples. Furthermore, Israeli airstrikes have also been reported near the Tyre Hippodrome, another UNESCO-listed heritage site.
French Diplomatic Efforts
In a related development, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed optimism for a potential diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict during his visit to Jerusalem. In meetings with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Barrot remarked that the current conditions may facilitate progress towards peace in the Middle East. He highlighted the election of Donald Trump as a pivotal factor, stating, “He (Trump) has never made a secret of his desire to put an end to the endless wars in the Middle East.” Barrot further advocated for an agreement that would secure the release of all hostages, establish a ceasefire, and allow significant humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza in preparation for future developments.
Barrot concluded by noting, “The Palestinian question is not going to disappear, regardless of which American administration is in charge.” Since the resurgence of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2023, the Health Ministry reports that at least 3,000 individuals have lost their lives and approximately 13,500 have been injured in Lebanon.
