The Israeli military conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure following a drone strike that resulted in casualties, including students on a bus. This escalation in tensions between Israel and militants comes after an airstrike the previous night in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh, where 13 people were killed, marking the deadliest Israeli attack since a ceasefire a year ago.
Israel issued warnings and proceeded with strikes in several villages in southern Lebanon, citing them as Hezbollah infrastructure. The strikes commenced in Shehour and Deir Kifa, with no immediate reports of casualties. The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of rebuilding its presence in southern Lebanon, alleging that weapons facilities targeted were situated among civilians in violation of agreements between Israel and Lebanon.
The drone strike in Tiri, southern Lebanon, earlier that day caused one fatality and injured several individuals, including students on a bus. The identity of the deceased person in the car targeted by the drone was initially unclear, with the Israeli military later confirming the individual as a Hezbollah operative.
In the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp near Sidon, life appeared normal on Wednesday, although authorities restricted access to journalists. At the strike site, paramedics searched for remains amidst burnt cars and debris. The Israeli military also carried out strikes on a Hamas training compound, which they claimed was being used for preparing attacks against Israel, while Hamas denied the allegations.
Efforts to disarm Palestinian factions in Lebanon’s refugee camps have been ongoing, with the government expressing intentions to disarm Hezbollah as well. However, Hezbollah has rejected disarmament until Israel relinquishes control of certain border areas and ceases frequent attacks.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Lebanon and Israel. The World Bank estimates the war caused over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and $11 billion worth of destruction, while 127 people died in Israel, including soldiers.
