Rescue teams in Lebanon have reported a devastating toll following an Israeli air strike on an apartment building in Barja, with 30 people confirmed dead. The evening strike targeted a four-storey structure purportedly sheltering displaced individuals in the coastal town, causing massive destruction and a subsequent fire.
The Israeli military defended the strike, asserting that it targeted infrastructure associated with Hezbollah, a Shia armed group. In a grim sequence of events, Lebanese health officials confirmed an additional 40 fatalities in strikes across Baalbek and Bekaa on Wednesday. Among the casualties, the Lebanese Culture Minister noted significant damage inflicted on an Ottoman-era building located near important Roman ruins, now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Witnesses have reported harrowing scenes, with one resident, Moussa Zahran, sharing how he saved his injured family members from the wreckage. “We are not military – why are we being hit?” Zahran lamented, highlighting the tragic circumstances facing civilians caught in the conflict.
Initial reports estimated 20 deaths from the Barja incident, but health ministry figures were later updated to reflect a higher toll. Rescue efforts continue amid fears of further casualties as the situation unfolds.
The strikes have caused immense devastation; alongside the loss of civilian life, nearly 2,400 people have died since the conflict intensified between Israel and Hezbollah six weeks ago. The situation has led to more than 1.2 million people fleeing their homes throughout Lebanon, as continuous bombardments from Israel aim to dismantle Hezbollah's operational capacity.
In retaliation, Hezbollah has mobilized, launching rockets into Israel, which has resulted in casualties on both sides, intensifying the cycle of violence. The group’s leadership has signaled readiness to escalate their response as tensions simmer.
Israeli authorities maintain that their military actions seek to secure the northern border areas and ensure safety for residents affected by Hezbollah’s rocket strikes. The conflict, initially sparked by the unrest in Gaza in early October, has widened the rift, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and an ongoing call for international intervention. The situation presents an urgent need for peace talks and resolutions to prevent further loss of lives and cultural heritage in Lebanon.
