IRIA News

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Israel’s latest airstrikes on Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and injuries to 59 others, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Most of the casualties occurred in southern Lebanon and Nabatiyeh, while additional injuries were reported in the Beqaa region.

Since the start of the Israeli campaign against Hezbollah, at least 1,802 people have been killed, with 9,330 injured, marking a severe toll on Lebanese civilians. The humanitarian situation in the region remains dire as Israeli bombardments continue across the country.

On October 20, Israel launched further strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut and towns near the Lebanese-Israeli border. Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions as Israeli warplanes targeted Hezbollah strongholds. Smoke was seen rising above the Lebanese capital as Israeli forces aimed at “terrorist targets” in Lebanon, according to military statements.

Eyewitness accounts from Beirut described dense plumes of smoke after at least ten blasts rocked the southern part of the city, resulting in widespread panic. Civilians clogged the streets as they fled their homes in anticipation of further attacks. An Israeli military spokesperson warned residents in Hezbollah-controlled areas to evacuate, as more strikes were planned against Hezbollah-affiliated infrastructure.

Saturday also saw Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, in what has been described as the heaviest bombardment the city has witnessed in over a week. At least one multi-story building in the southern Beirut neighborhood of Chiyah was destroyed. According to Israeli military sources, the strikes targeted Hezbollah’s weapons storage facilities and intelligence headquarters.

Residents of southern Beirut fled their homes in large numbers, fearing further attacks after Israel warned civilians to leave Hezbollah-controlled areas. The military ordered the evacuation of two neighborhoods, cautioning residents that these areas were located near Hezbollah installations that would soon be targeted.

In retaliation, Hezbollah continued its rocket fire into northern Israel. Israeli authorities reported that around 200 projectiles were launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory on Saturday. One Israeli civilian was killed by shrapnel in his car because of the barrage. Israel’s military confirmed the death, adding that it had intensified its efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities in Lebanon.

Devastation in Gaza

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes on the city of Beit Lahia have led to widespread destruction and civilian casualties. According to Gaza’s health authorities, 73 people, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes on Saturday night. The strikes hit densely populated residential areas, leaving entire blocks reduced to rubble.

Rescue efforts in Beit Lahia are being hampered by a lack of communication and internet services, making it difficult for emergency teams to locate and assist those trapped under the debris.

An Israeli military spokesperson stated that the IDF had targeted Hamas “terror sites” in Beit Lahia and was taking measures to avoid harming civilians. The spokesperson claimed the casualty numbers released by Hamas were “exaggerated.”

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as Israeli forces maintain their offensive in the northern part of the territory. The densely populated Jabalia area, which includes a large urban refugee camp, has been a focal point of Israeli strikes. At least 33 people were reported killed in a strike on the camp on Friday.

Humanitarian organizations have warned of a growing crisis, with little to no aid reaching northern Gaza in recent weeks. The United Nations’ top humanitarian official, Joyce Msuya, condemned the escalating violence, stating that civilians in Gaza were facing “unspeakable horrors.” She called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.

Despite international calls for increased aid access, Israeli authorities continue to deny that they are restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, pressure from the U.S. has prompted Israel to consider easing access to humanitarian supplies, as the country faces potential cuts to American military assistance if the situation does not improve.

Reported assassination attempt on Israeli Prime Minister

In a dramatic development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hezbollah had attempted to assassinate him and his wife in a drone attack on his private residence. Netanyahu took to social media to address the incident, writing, “The attempt by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a grave mistake.” No injuries were reported, and neither Netanyahu nor his wife was at home at the time of the attack.

Hezbollah has not commented on the alleged assassination attempt. Israeli officials are investigating the incident, which further complicates the tense situation in the region.

High-Ranking Israeli commander killed in Gaza

As the conflict in Gaza escalated, Israel suffered the loss of one of its most senior military officers. Colonel Ehsan Daqsa, commander of Israel’s 401st Armored Brigade, was killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday. According to the IDF, Daqsa was killed when an explosive device detonated near his position in Jabalia.

Daqsa, who had only recently taken command of the brigade in June, was among the six IDF colonels who have been killed since the start of the fighting. His death marks a significant blow to Israel’s military leadership as the conflict continues to rage on multiple fronts.