Israeli Strikes Kill 47 in Eastern Lebanon
At least 47 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon on Thursday, according to a Lebanese official. The strikes are part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating in the region. The attacks targeted the Baalbek region, which lies near the Syrian border and is a stronghold of Hezbollah. Local officials reported that 22 others were injured, and rescue operations were underway.
U.S. Mediator Discusses Ceasefire Progress
U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein, who visited Lebanon earlier in the week, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz in an effort to advance ceasefire negotiations. Hochstein had earlier indicated that a ceasefire was “within our grasp,” but a senior Lebanese official revealed that there were still unresolved issues, including calls for a faster Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The discussions are seen as the most serious attempt to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has intensified since the Gaza war erupted more than a year ago.
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Hezbollah-Controlled Areas
Beirut’s southern suburbs were heavily impacted by Israeli airstrikes, with clouds of debris rising from the areas. These strikes were among the most intense targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Residents have largely fled the region since Israel began its offensive against Hezbollah in September. The Israeli military claimed its strikes were aimed at Hezbollah targets, with measures taken to minimize civilian casualties, such as issuing advance warnings.
Rocket Attack in Israel Kills One
In Israel, a 30-year-old man was killed when shrapnel from a rocket fired from Lebanon struck a playground in Nahariya, a town in northern Israel. Israeli medical services confirmed the fatality, while the Israeli military stated that approximately 10 rockets were launched from Lebanon toward Nahariya, with most intercepted. Three rockets reportedly hit the town. Hezbollah’s al-Manar TV station confirmed the rocket fire.
Hochstein’s Efforts to Close Ceasefire Deal
Following his meetings in Lebanon, Hochstein traveled to Israel to continue negotiations. He expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement but acknowledged that progress needed to be made on certain issues. Hochstein had spent two days in Lebanon discussing the situation with officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who has been designated by Hezbollah to negotiate.
Ground Battles and Heavy Casualties
The ongoing conflict has caused significant devastation, especially in southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes have hit wide areas, and Israeli troops have entered southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah fighters. One area of intense fighting is the town of Khiyam, which lies just 6 km from the Israeli border. Footage from Al Jazeera showed thick smoke rising from Khiyam, a focal point of the battle.
Casualty Toll and Continuing Tensions
Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, the Lebanese health ministry reports 3,583 deaths in Lebanon, the majority of which occurred during Israel’s offensive. These numbers do not differentiate between combatants and civilians. In northern Israel, Hezbollah’s rocket attacks have killed over 100 people, including more than 70 soldiers, with many casualties occurring in northern Israel and the Golan Heights, as well as during ground combat in southern Lebanon.
