Israel-Lebanon Tensions Escalate
Tensions are high on the border between Israel and Lebanon. In recent days, missile and UAV attacks have been carried out from Lebanese territory towards northern Israel. Sirens have been sounding in the northern part of the country during these incidents. There is no information yet on whether there have been any injuries or deaths as a result of the attacks.
Israel Targets Southern Lebanon
The Israeli army has also begun airstrikes on southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry said in a statement that the Israeli army hit a house in the town of Houla, and that one person was killed in the attack according to initial reports. It was also reported that three people were injured in the airstrike on the town of Beit Lif. The Lebanese official agency NNA reported that search and rescue operations were continuing in the rubble of the targeted houses in Beit Lif and Houla.
Hezbollah Members Killed in Airstrikes
The number of Hezbollah members killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon since October 7 has reached 392, the Hezbollah movement announced.
Calls to ‘Leave Lebanon’ Grow
Internationally, precautionary measures and warnings continue to come from many countries due to the increasing tension in the region. Due to the events in Lebanon, Turkey has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Lebanon and to leave the country if possible for those currently in the country. The following statements were included in the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey:
- “It is important for our citizens in Lebanon to be cautious and not to go to the governorates of Nabatiyeh, South Lebanon, Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel unless it is necessary.”
- “In addition, those whose stay in Lebanon is not essential are advised to leave Lebanon if possible while commercial flights are still operating.”
Britain announced the temporary withdrawal of families of its embassy staff from Beirut, the Lebanese capital. France, Italy and Australia also called on their citizens to leave Lebanon, and Indonesia asked its citizens to temporarily avoid travel to Lebanon, Iran and Israel.
