Latest strikes in Lebanon bring new wave of destruction as peace talks stall

Israeli forces launched wide-ranging attacks across Lebanon causing major destruction in multiple regions. The strikes hit Baalbek and Bekaa Valley killing 40 people and hurting 53 others (according to local health ministry data)

The year-long back-and-forth between Israel and Hezbollah got worse since late-September: Israeli troops moved into border villages and stepped-up their bombing campaigns. In Beiruts southern suburbs residents got evacuation orders before two bombing waves hit the area

Naim Qassem‚ Hezbollahs secretary general opened a door for talks saying: “When the enemy stops its attacks theres a path for indirect negotiations through Lebanese state and Nabih Berri“. A US proposal for a 60-day cease-fire didnt work out

In Barja town south of Beirut an Israeli strike destroyed an apartment building – the hit killed 20 people. “These rocks that you see here weigh 100 kilos; they fell on a 13-kilo kid“ [[said Moussa Zahran‚ whose family was hurt in the strike]]

Hezbollah fired missiles at an Israeli base near Ben-Gurion Airport; some projectiles were stopped by defense systems. The new Israeli defense minister Israel Katz promised to defeat Hezbollah so northern Israel residents can go back home