Rescue operations in Barja, a coastal town south of Beirut, have confirmed that 30 people lost their lives due to an Israeli air strike on a residential building reportedly sheltering displaced families. The strike, which occurred on a Tuesday evening, not only destroyed a significant portion of the four-storey structure but also resulted in a large fire and widespread chaos.
The Israeli Defense Forces responded by stating that their operation targeted "terror infrastructure," specifically linked to the Shia militant group Hezbollah. While this attack is one of many in an ongoing series of strikes, it is the first to result in such a high number of casualties in a single incident during this recent escalation.
Witness accounts, such as that of local resident Moussa Zahran, describe horrific scenes as families were caught in the rubble. Zahran recounted how he rescued his wife and injured child from falling debris, emphasizing the severity of the destruction without any prior evacuation warnings.
Initial reports from Lebanon's health ministry indicated a toll of 20; however, the number rose dramatically as rescue operations continued. Additionally, cross-referencing with strikes in the Baalbek and Bekaa regions led to a total of 40 deaths reported in the following day, illustrating the broader impact of the Israeli military actions.
Amidst the conflict, cultural heritage sites have also suffered, including an Ottoman-era building near Roman ruins in Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lebanese Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada condemned the damage, indicating that it represents an irremediable loss for both Lebanon and global heritage.
In retaliation, Hezbollah has initiated rocket fire into northern Israel, resulting in casualties on their side as well. Reports confirmed at least one Israeli death due to Hezbollah’s attacks, further escalating tensions as each side counterattacks.
As aerial bombings continue in southern Lebanese cities like Nabatieh and around Beirut, the humanitarian crisis deepens; Lebanese authorities estimate that over 2,400 people have died and upwards of 1.2 million have been displaced since the resurgence of conflict. The fighting has exacerbated living conditions, leaving affected residents grappling with trauma and loss amidst an unending cycle of retaliation between Israel and Hezbollah, which was reignited following a deadly Hamas assault on Israel earlier in October 2023.
The implications of this renewed conflict continue to resonate, bringing significant concerns over the safety of civilians and the preservation of historical sites in a region marked by turmoil and violence.
