Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 15 people in the southern Lebanese town of Qana, a location historically linked to civilian casualties from Israeli attacks. This marks a significant escalation, as Israel also targeted Beirut's southern suburbs early Wednesday for the first time in nearly a week.
The strikes in Qana occurred late Tuesday, with Lebanon's Civil Defense reporting that 15 bodies were recovered from the rubble and rescue operations were ongoing. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident.
Qana has a tragic history; in 1996, an Israeli attack on a UN compound in the town resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians. During the 2006 conflict, another strike killed nearly three dozen people, including many children, with Israel claiming it targeted a Hezbollah launcher.
In Beirut, the recent strikes followed a six-day hiatus and came after assurances from the United States to Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati that Israel would reduce its attacks on the capital. The strikes reportedly targeted an arms warehouse beneath a residential building, though the military did not provide evidence for this claim.
Read more: UN says deadly Israeli strike in northern Lebanon should be investigated
Hezbollah has intensified its rocket attacks on Israel since October 8, in support of Hamas following the latter's surprise assault that ignited the current war in Gaza. Ongoing hostilities have displaced around 1.2 million people in Lebanon, with about 2,300 fatalities reported from Israeli strikes, primarily in the past month.
Hezbollah has vowed to continue its attacks until a cease-fire in Gaza is achieved, a resolution that seems increasingly unlikely after stalled negotiations.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the death toll from Israeli operations has surpassed 42,000, with a significant portion being women and children. Hospitals have reported around 350 bodies received since the escalation began on October 6, with many casualties remaining trapped under rubble.
The situation remains dire, as extensive military actions have devastated large areas, displacing 90% of Gaza's population.