Israeli airstrikes in a southern Lebanese town resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including two children, early on Monday, as reported by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. This marked one of the deadliest incidents of Israeli bombardment in recent weeks, raising concerns about a potential new Israeli military campaign in Lebanon despite a ceasefire established in June to cease hostilities between the Israeli military and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia.
According to a witness who claimed to be related to three of the deceased victims, one of the strikes targeted a residential building where children were preparing for school. The Israeli military stated that the attack was aimed at individuals suspected of transferring weapons in the vicinity of Kfar Rumman town. At the scene, Reuters journalists observed schoolbooks belonging to children scattered among the debris of the destroyed building. Rescue teams utilized heavy machinery to recover bodies buried beneath the rubble.
An eight-year-old boy named Mustafa Farhat lost his mother and grandparents in the attack, with rescuers still searching for his father’s body. Meanwhile, Mustafa is receiving medical treatment in a hospital for his injuries. Mona Farhat, a relative of the boy, expressed disbelief and questioned the motives behind the attack, emphasizing their determination to remain on their land.
The Health Ministry of Lebanon confirmed that 11 people, including two children and four women, lost their lives in the residential building strike. Additionally, a separate Israeli drone attack on a civilian vehicle in the town claimed the life of a medic, while two other medics sustained injuries.
The airstrikes on the town occurred without prior online evacuation warnings from the Israeli military. Israeli authorities stated that precautions were taken to minimize harm to civilians through the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance. The military acknowledged the reports of civilian casualties and pledged to investigate the matter.
In a related development, Hezbollah allegedly launched two explosive drones towards Israeli troops near the Ali al-Taher ridge in southeastern Lebanon. Israel had recently claimed to have expelled Hezbollah fighters from the strategic ridge. Lebanese security officials anticipated further escalations in the region in the upcoming weeks as Israel intensified strikes on towns near the ridge where residents had returned post-ceasefire.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 4,300 fatalities since Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel in March, which triggered a significant Israeli military response. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon, demolishing villages in the area designated as a security zone. Israeli military actions persist both within and beyond the security zone, often without advance warnings.