Lebanon Death Toll Rises as Israeli Strikes Continue Despite Ceasefire
Lebanon Death Toll Rises as Israeli Strikes Continue Despite Ceasefire
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Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli strikes martyred 16 people and wounded 34 others in 24 hours, bringing the toll since March 2 to 3,371 martyred and 10,129 injured. The escalation comes despite a ceasefire declared in April.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli attacks martyred 16 people and wounded 34 others over the past 24 hours, raising the cumulative toll since March 2 to 3,371 martyred and 10,129 injured. The ministry issued the figures as Israeli airstrikes continued across southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa region.
The escalation comes despite a ceasefire that entered into force in April and was later extended. Lebanese and international reports say the truce has been repeatedly undermined by continuing military operations, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
The situation worsened further after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an expanded incursion into southern Lebanon. Reuters reported that Israeli forces captured the strategic Beaufort Castle and nearby ridge, marking one of the deepest Israeli advances in Lebanon since the 2000 withdrawal.
The Guardian reported that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth” policy. Reports also said more than 1.2 million people have been displaced since the start of the escalation in March.
The humanitarian toll on children has drawn particular alarm. UNICEF said 77 children were killed or injured in Lebanon over one week, an average of 11 children every 24 hours, while 55 children have been killed and 212 injured since the ceasefire began.
Health infrastructure has also come under pressure. According to Reuters, the World Health Organization reported 27 attacks on healthcare facilities, leaving 25 people dead and 42 injured, with several hospitals and primary healthcare centers damaged.
