On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injuries to 117 others as part of an attempt to target a Hezbollah leader, Wafiq Safa. Safa was not in the buildings, which were destroyed by the explosions. The Israeli military also fired at UN peacekeeper headquarters in Naqoura, damaging an observation tower and injuring two peacekeepers who required hospitalisation.
The conflict between Israeli forces and the UN’s peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, has escalated since Israel’s ground invasion began on October 1. Peacekeepers on the border have obstructed the invasion by refusing to move, leading to tensions.
The recent attack on UN forces has sparked global condemnation, including from the USA, which has called for a ceasefire to prevent a broader conflict involving Iran, Lebanon, and Israel. Lebanon’s UN ambassador has also demanded an immediate ceasefire. However, Israel’s envoy insists their operations will continue until all Hezbollah “terror” activities are dismantled.
At least 22 people killed and 117 others injured in 2 Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut https://t.co/FaXQlXA4TL pic.twitter.com/9YZNbbF6DE
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) October 11, 2024
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli strikes have killed over 2,000 people in Lebanon and displaced millions. The Lebanese crisis response unit reported that 28 people were killed and 113 wounded in the past 24 hours. The Lebanese Health Ministry states the total number of wounded has reached 10,212.
In Gaza, similar strikes have been ongoing, targeting militant positions. Palestinian authorities reported several strikes on Thursday, including one that hit a school sheltering displaced individuals in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people, among them a child and seven women.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Al Jazeera reports intense Israeli air strikes in Beirut, killing at least 22 and injuring 117, while escalating the north Gaza siege with significant humanitarian concerns.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in Beirut due to Israeli airstrikes?
Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killed 22 people and injured 117, aiming to target Hezbollah leader Wafiq Safa.
Did Wafiq Safa get injured in the Israeli airstrikes?
No, Wafiq Safa was not in the buildings that were destroyed by the explosions.
What was the impact of Israeli strikes on UN peacekeepers?
Israeli military fired at UN peacekeeper headquarters in Naqoura, damaging an observation tower and injuring two peacekeepers.
How has the conflict between Israel and UNIFIL escalated?
The conflict escalated as UN peacekeepers obstructed Israel’s ground invasion, leading to tensions and global condemnation.
How many people have been affected by the conflict in Lebanon since October 7, 2023?
Israeli strikes have killed over 2,000 people and displaced millions, with 28 killed and 113 wounded in the past 24 hours.