Israeli Strikes in Eastern Lebanon Result in Heavy Casualties
Recent airstrikes carried out by Israeli forces in eastern Lebanon have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 60 individuals and left approximately 58 others injured, as reported by Lebanon’s health ministry. The bombardments have targeted multiple cities and towns, with the Bekaa Valley suffering the most devastating impacts, where at least 34 people lost their lives.
In the town of Sahl Allak, located in Baalbeck province, reports indicate that 16 fatalities have been confirmed, and rescue operations are still ongoing, suggesting the casualty count may rise further, according to the National News Agency (NNA). Another airstrike in Ramm, also in Baalbeck, resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including a mother and her four children, while leaving one other person severely wounded, as per NNA’s updates.
Additionally, a strike on the outskirts of Gouraud Barracks Camp, home to some Palestinian refugees, led to six deaths and 17 injuries. In the Hellaniyeh area, two people were killed and eight were wounded, while another two lives were lost in Younine, with six others sustaining injuries, as reported by NNA.
International Response and Calls for Ceasefire
In the wake of these tragic events, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed his Lebanese counterpart, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, to London on Monday. During their meeting, Starmer extended his condolences for the lives lost in the Israeli attacks. The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry stating that over 2,700 individuals have been killed and nearly 12,600 wounded in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel over the past year, with a significant portion of the casualties being women and children.
During their discussions, Starmer and Mikati emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to safeguard civilians and protect critical infrastructure. According to a readout from Starmer’s office, “On the broader regional conflict, the prime minister stressed the importance of all parties working towards de-escalation and a sustainable, long-term peace in the Middle East.”
This significant meeting followed remarks from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who informed British lawmakers that Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, indicated that the military operations in Lebanon would conclude shortly.
