According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli strikes in the country’s south claimed the lives of two individuals on Wednesday, with Hezbollah confirming the deaths of two of its fighters. This escalation in cross-border violence has raised concerns about the potential for a full-scale regional war.
Hezbollah has been engaging in frequent exchanges of fire with the Israeli army following the Gaza war triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. Ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel are set to resume in Qatar on Thursday as diplomats strive to prevent further escalation after recent high-profile killings prompted threats of revenge from Iran and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that one person was killed and nine others were wounded in an Israeli strike on the town of Marjayoun in the south. Another death and injury were also reported in Blida village. The Israeli military confirmed targeting Hezbollah military structures in Blida and announced the elimination of two Hezbollah terrorists in Marjayoun. Hezbollah later confirmed the deaths of two of its fighters due to Israeli fire.
An attack in Abbassiyeh, near Tyre in southern Lebanon, left 17 people injured, including two teenagers and an eight-year-old girl, with four individuals in critical condition. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets at Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel. The Israeli army reported no injuries from the projectiles launched from Lebanon.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli troops and positions on Wednesday, including the use of explosive-laden drones. The violence since October has led to the deaths of around 570 people in Lebanon, predominantly Hezbollah fighters but also including 118 civilians. In Israel, 22 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed, according to army figures.
To de-escalate the situation, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne is scheduled to visit Beirut on Thursday, following a visit by US envoy Amos Hochstein. jos-lg/imm/giv/mca/cwl
