Escalating Violence in Lebanon: Over 1,600 Dead Amid Israeli Strikes
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has reached a critical point, with escalating violence resulting in significant civilian casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis. As airstrikes intensify and the number of displaced individuals surges, the Lebanese government is grappling with the urgent need for aid and support for its citizens.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,640 individuals since October 8, including 104 children and 194 women, as reported by Nasser Yassin, the Coordinator of the Lebanese government Emergency Committee. The humanitarian crisis deepens as airstrikes continue to devastate the region, with 216 strikes reported in just the last 24 hours.
According to the Ministry of Health, over 8,408 people have been injured, with more than 1,000 fatalities and 6,000 injuries recorded in the past two weeks alone. On Saturday, 11 additional casualties were reported, alongside 108 injuries, while many citizens remain missing, trapped under rubble.
The Lebanese government has increased the number of shelters to 777, including public schools and agricultural centers, to accommodate the displaced. Currently, around one million people—approximately one-fifth of the population—have fled their homes, with 116,100 registered in official shelters.
In a recent development, the Israeli military is reportedly preparing for a “limited ground operation” in Lebanon, aiming to establish a security buffer zone in the south. Despite significant pressure from Washington to avoid escalation, Israeli officials are weighing the potential operation.
The situation is further complicated by the movement of people across borders, with 36,188 Syrian citizens and 41,307 Lebanese crossing into Syria from September 23 to 29. In response to the displacement crisis, the Ministry of Social Affairs announced a $1 million donation for the affected from China.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the region faces an increasingly dire humanitarian situation, with urgent calls for international assistance and a resolution to the violence.
