Caught in the Crossfire: 1.2 Million Displaced in Lebanon, 42,000 Dead in Gaza as Bombings Escalate

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon, alongside the continued assault on Gaza, has escalated dramatically, resulting in widespread casualties and displacement. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli military operations in northern Gaza have killed dozens, while the assault on southern Lebanon has forced numerous residents to flee. As Israel targets Hezbollah and Hamas positions, civilian casualties continue to rise, with the Ministry of Health in Gaza reporting a death toll surpassing 42,000 from the yearlong conflict. The situation in both regions remains dire as Israeli forces press on with airstrikes and ground offensives.

Israeli Military Operations Intensify

• The Israeli military announced that its fighter jets targeted around 230 positions belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. These strikes focused on military facilities, observation posts, and rocket launchers.
• In Gaza, at least 45 Palestinians were reported dead from the airstrikes over a single day as Israeli forces advanced into the Jabalia refugee camp.
• Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli jets conducted multiple air raids on Beirut’s southern suburbs, including al-Rayah Stadium and Haret Hreik.
• Hezbollah retaliated by launching artillery and rockets at Israeli soldiers near the Lebanese border, intensifying clashes around Labbouneh, Maroun el-Ras, and Mays al-Jabal.

Impact on Civilians

• Civilians have borne the brunt of these intensified military actions. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 42,000 people have died in the enclave since the conflict began, while Lebanon has witnessed over 2,100 deaths in recent weeks due to the airstrikes.
• Lebanese disaster management authorities highlighted that 1.2 million people have been displaced from their homes due to Israeli bombardment, with 58,898 seeking refuge in the northern districts.
• The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) stated that 400,000 people in northern Gaza remain trapped, unable to evacuate due to the continued strikes.

Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

• Israeli forces continued their operation in Jabalia for the fifth consecutive day, aiming to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping. Despite evacuation orders, UN officials emphasized that there are no safe havens left in Gaza for civilians to seek refuge.
• The Gaza Health Ministry reported that three hospitals, including Kamal Adwan Hospital, have been ordered to evacuate by Israeli forces, raising fears of more humanitarian crises.
• Hussam Abu Safia, a hospital director, expressed concerns, stating: “We cannot leave the hospital because there is no other hospital that is providing services and treatments to children.”

Targeting Journalists

• Journalists covering the conflict have not been spared, with Al Jazeera cameraman Fadi al-Wahidi being injured by Israeli gunfire in northern Gaza. This incident follows the injury of Ali al-Attar, another Al Jazeera cameraman, during an attack near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
• Hani Mahmoud, an Al Jazeera reporter, stated: “The Israeli military does not like any critical voices talking about the many atrocities that have been committed for a whole year of genocide.”
• According to Gaza’s government media office, 176 journalists and media representatives have lost their lives since the beginning of the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Regional Tensions Rise

• The ongoing offensives have raised fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East, potentially involving Iran and its ally, the United States.
• Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned of strong retaliation to Iran’s missile attack, stating: “Our response will be deadly, precise, and above all surprising.”
• Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon have led to heavy rocket fire into northern Israel, including Haifa, where several rockets evaded interception and caused injuries.

Source: Al Jazeera