Lebanese town hit hard: Israel's air raid kills 16, including mayor
Israel bombed Nabatieh in Lebanon killing 16 people mayor included. UN peacekeepers watchtower got hit by Israeli tank. Israel says it wont stop fighting for talks. Over 2000 Lebanese died in year-long conflict
In a shocking turn of events‚ Israel launched an air raid on Nabatieh a major town in southern Lebanon‚ resulting in the death of 16 people including the towns mayor. The attack which occurred about two days ago‚ targeted the municipal headquarters and left more than 50 individuals wounded (this incident marks the most significant assault on an official Lebanese state building since the start of Israels air campaign)
Lebanese officials strongly condemned the attack‚ asserting that it demonstrates Israels shift from targeting Hezbollah to attacking the Lebanese state itself. Najib Mikati Lebanons caretaker Prime Minister‚ stated that the Israelis “intentionally targeted a meeting of the municipal council to discuss the citys service and relief situation“
In a separate incident yesterday‚ the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that its peacekeepers observed an Israeli tank firing at their watchtower near Kfar Kela in southern Lebanon. The attack resulted in the destruction of two cameras and damage to the tower. The US has urged Israel to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant during a visit to northern Israel near the border‚ made it clear that Israel would not halt its assault on Hezbollah for negotiations. He stated‚ “We will hold negotiations only under fire; I said this on day one I said it in Gaza and I am saying it here“
Israels campaign in Lebanon which began roughly a year ago‚ has resulted in:
- At least 2350 Lebanese casualties
- Displacement of 12 million people
- Evacuation orders for a quarter of the country
On the Israeli side approximately 50 soldiers and civilians have lost their lives during the same period
Despite its previous criticism of UNIFIL‚ Israel has recently adopted a more conciliatory tone. Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated‚ “The State of Israel places great importance on the activities of UNIFIL and has no intention of harming the organization or its personnel“
