Israeli Shelling Injures Lebanese Soldiers and Attacks Hospital in Southern Lebanon
Three Lebanese soldiers were lightly injured on Friday by Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon, according to medical sources. In a separate incident, the Lebanese army reported no casualties in a second attack on a hospital. Hezbollah also announced the death of four of its fighters on Friday.
Israeli artillery fire targeted the vicinity of a Lebanese army post in Ras el-Naqura, resulting in the injuries of three soldiers, as reported by a medical source. An AFP photographer at the scene witnessed the soldiers lying on stretchers, showing signs of breathing difficulties but no open wounds.
This incident follows the killing of two people, including a Lebanese soldier, in Israeli cross-border shelling earlier this week. This marked the first time that Lebanese army personnel were killed since the start of the ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. The Israeli army expressed “regret” for the incident, stating that it was targeting a Hezbollah position and not the army.
The Lebanese armed forces, deployed to the border area, reported a second attack on Friday. The military hospital in the town of Ain Ebel was bombed by the Israeli enemy, causing material damage but no casualties. These attacks are part of the regular cross-border fire that began after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, triggered by Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel.
Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, claimed responsibility for a series of attacks against Israeli troops and positions near the border. In response, Israel continues to target border areas in an attempt to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure.
Since October 7, the border violence has claimed the lives of at least 120 people in Lebanon. The majority of the casualties are Hezbollah fighters, but there have also been 16 civilian deaths, including three journalists, according to AFP’s count. On Thursday, a civilian was killed in northern Israel by an anti-tank missile fired from southern Lebanon. This brings the number of Israeli soldiers and civilians killed in attacks from Lebanon to at least six soldiers and four civilians, according to authorities.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the anti-tank missile attack, stating that it was targeting Israeli military barracks. On the same day, Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian armed group, announced the death of two of its fighters, bringing the total number of its members killed in southern Lebanon to eight.
The ongoing violence in the border region between Israel and Lebanon has resulted in a significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. The attacks and counterattacks by both sides have escalated tensions and raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. The international community has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue to resolve the underlying issues.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and to seek peaceful solutions through diplomatic means. The cycle of violence must be broken, and efforts should be focused on promoting stability and security in the region.