The Lebanese Ministry of Health revealed on Thursday the number of casualties, including deaths and injuries, resulting from Israeli raids and bombardments targeting several villages in southern Lebanon and reaching the Beqaa in the east of the country.
The ministry stated in a report that “in response to the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, the cumulative report of health emergencies until July 9, 2024, records 1,438 injuries and 466 fatalities.”
The escalation between Israel and Hezbollah has deepened along the border, with the Israeli military targeting towns deep in southern Lebanon and in the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced it had shelled an ammunition storage base near Tiberias, which Israeli media reported as the deepest strike yet, reaching approximately 60 kilometers, in addition to shelling the Meron air observation base in the occupied Syrian Golan.
Since the war began, the Israeli military has recorded 5,450 rocket launches towards northern Israel, including 50 launches in one day during the previous June. The Alma Center for Research and Education in Israel reported that the vast majority of launches during the first three months of the war were anti-tank missiles aimed at areas closest to the border. In March, Hezbollah’s use of drones steadily increased.
On Sunday, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, arrived in Tel Aviv to prepare for a Security Council consultation session scheduled to discuss the implementation of Resolution 1701 before the end of this month.
The United Nations stated, “Her discussions with Israeli officials are expected to focus on the need to restore calm and allow for a diplomatic solution that enables displaced civilians from both sides to return to their homes, as well as addressing outstanding issues in Resolution 1701.”
Since Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert took office last month, she has been in intensive contact with Lebanese leadership and relevant parties to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions across the Blue Line.
Recent tensions between Israel and Lebanon have escalated significantly since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2024. The conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has intensified, marked by near-daily cross-border fire. The situation has reached a level of severity not seen in years, raising fears of a potential wider conflict in the region.
Hezbollah has increased its military activities, launching rockets and employing drones against Israeli targets, responding to what it views as Israeli aggression. These hostilities include significant Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, particularly in the south and the Bekaa Valley, which have led to numerous casualties on both sides. This violence is part of a broader regional tension involving Syria as well, where Israeli strikes have also been reported.
Despite the ongoing conflict, there are concerted diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. The United States has been particularly active, with Special Presidential Envoy Amos Hochstein engaging in shuttle diplomacy to mitigate the situation and prevent a full-scale war.
