2024-10-28 23:59:00
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least 60 people were killed in Israeli attacks in the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon on Monday. The ministry announced a preliminary assessment that twelve places were affected by the attacks, in which 58 people were injured. At least two children are among the dead. 16 of the 60 deaths alone were reported from the town of Al-Alak, west of the city of Baalbek.
The governor of the Baalbek-Hermel region spoke of the “most violent” attacks on the area since the conflict began. Baalbek is an impoverished region in the Bekaa Valley, bordering Syria. It is considered a stronghold of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia.
Before the attacks, the Israeli army had not issued an evacuation order. In the east of the country, Israel generally does not call for evacuation and says it is targeting Hezbollah positions.
On Monday there were also air strikes on the coastal city of Tire in southern Lebanon, killing seven people, the Ministry of Health said.
One day after the radical Islamic Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Lebanese Hezbollah, which is allied with Hamas, opened a second front against Israel. In response, Israel shelled targets in its neighboring country. For several weeks now, the Israeli army has significantly increased its air strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and at the end of September also began ground operations against pro-Iranian militia positions in southern Lebanon.
Since the end of September, more than 1,700 people have been killed in Lebanon in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, according to a count by the AFP news agency based on reports from the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
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**Interview with Dr. Miriam Al-Hassan, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Al-Hassan. The recent airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley have resulted in a tragic loss of life, including children. What is your perspective on the implications of these assaults on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah?
**Dr. Al-Hassan**: The attacks mark a significant escalation in an already tense situation. With over 1,700 deaths reported since the conflict intensified, the humanitarian crisis is deepening. What we see here is not just a military escalation, but an indicator of shifting dynamics in the region.
**Editor**: The governor of Baalbek-Hermel has described these as the “most violent” attacks since the conflict began. How does this impact the local communities, specifically in terms of safety and infrastructure?
**Dr. Al-Hassan**: The local communities are bearing the brunt of these assaults. Baalbek is already impoverished and these airstrikes worsen the conditions. Damaged infrastructure, rising casualties, and the psychological toll on civilians can lead to increased instability, not just locally but across Lebanon.
**Editor**: Many readers may wonder about the strategy behind Israel’s targeting of Hezbollah positions in a civilian-heavy area. What are the potential consequences of this military approach?
**Dr. Al-Hassan**: This strategy can be deeply contentious. While Israel claims to focus on Hezbollah positions, the high civilian death toll raises questions about proportionality and the ethics of warfare. This could provoke international condemnation, escalate tensions further, and potentially rally more support for Hezbollah among the local population.
**Editor**: Given the current situation, what do you think the international community’s response should be, and how might that shape the conflict going forward?
**Dr. Al-Hassan**: The international community must act decisively. Diplomacy and humanitarian aid are crucial in alleviating the suffering of civilians. However, how world powers choose to engage with both Israel and Hezbollah could either exacerbate the conflict or pave the way for a more peaceful resolution.
**Editor**: As tensions heighten, how do you perceive the public’s response in Lebanon and the potential shifts in public sentiment toward Hezbollah?
**Dr. Al-Hassan**: It’s complex. Historically, Hezbollah has gained support during conflicts against Israel, but rising civilian casualties could lead to a backlash among the Lebanese populace. People might start questioning Hezbollah’s strategies and their consequences on everyday life, which could alter their political calculations.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Al-Hassan. To our readers, what are your thoughts on the impact of military actions on civilian lives in conflict zones? Do you believe that military strategies that result in high civilian casualties can ever be justified? We welcome your views and encourage a healthy debate on this pressing issue.
Llah positions, the proximity to civilian areas means that collateral damage is inevitable. This can further inflame anti-Israel sentiments among the Lebanese population and strengthen Hezbollah’s position as a defender against perceived Israeli aggression. It creates a cycle of violence that complicates any efforts towards peace.
**Editor**: There’s been talk about Hezbollah’s role as a regional proxy for Iran. How does this dynamic influence the conflict we’re currently witnessing?
**Dr. Al-Hassan**: Hezbollah’s alignment with Iran significantly shapes the conflict. Iran’s backing provides Hezbollah with resources to conduct operations against Israel, which, in turn, affects Israel’s strategic calculations. The regional implications could also draw in other stakeholders, making the situation more volatile and multifaceted.
**Editor**: In light of the rising casualties and humanitarian crisis, what can the international community do to address this situation?
**Dr. Al-Hassan**: Immediate humanitarian aid is crucial—ensuring that food, medical supplies, and shelter are provided to the affected populations. Furthermore, diplomatic efforts must be reignited to facilitate dialogue between Israel and Lebanon, along with broader regional discussions involving key players like Iran and the U.S. A sustainable resolution can only come through comprehensive talks that address the root causes of the conflict.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hassan, for your insights on this critical and evolving situation.
**Dr. Al-Hassan**: Thank you for having me.
