Thu Nov 07 20:53:33 UTC 2024: ## Israel’s War on Lebanon Intensifies as Attacks Target Civilians and UN Peacekeepers

**Beirut, Lebanon** – As Israel continues its offensive in Gaza, its attacks on Lebanon have intensified, causing significant civilian casualties and sparking international concern. The Israeli military has launched strikes across Lebanon, killing at least 3,103 people and injuring 13,856 since October 2023, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

On Thursday alone, Israeli airstrikes killed 53 people and wounded 161, including five UN peacekeepers from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), three Lebanese soldiers, and three civilians. The attack on the UNIFIL location in Sidon, a key checkpoint used for forced evacuations, has raised serious concerns about the safety of UN personnel and the escalation of the conflict.

The Israeli military has also bombarded Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting civilians who are now living under constant threat of death. “Death has become a matter of luck. We can either die or survive,” said Ramzi Zaiter, a resident of south Beirut.

The escalation in attacks follows Hezbollah’s missile strikes on Israeli military bases, including a base near Ben Gurion International Airport and the strategic Stella Maris naval base. The Israeli military reported intercepting around 40 projectiles launched from Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanese lawmakers have appealed to the UN to protect UNESCO World Heritage Sites in areas heavily bombed by Israel. Israel’s attacks have already damaged historical landmarks in Baalbek, including a heritage house and a historic hotel near the city’s Roman temples.

The ongoing conflict has sparked calls for a ceasefire, with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urging a halt to hostilities to protect the country’s cultural heritage. Some in Lebanon are hopeful that the incoming US President, Donald Trump, might bring a new diplomatic approach to the conflict.

The international community has condemned the violence in Lebanon, urging both sides to de-escalate and prioritize the safety of civilians and UN personnel.

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