On this Friday, November 1, Lebanon continues to suffer violent Israeli airstrikes targeting the South, the Bekaa and Baalbeck. Of an intensity rarely observed, these attacks cause significant human losses and worsen an already critical humanitarian crisis, while the Lebanese diaspora sends medical aid as a sign of solidarity.
Escalation of airstrikes in Bekaa and Baalbeck
Israeli aircraft targeted several areas of the Bekaa, with a growing number of victims. In the town of Younine, an air raid on a house housing twelve people left at least seven dead, according to a preliminary report. Rescue teams are working to extract bodies from the rubble. The neighboring town of Nahle was also struck by Israeli warplanes, resulting in the deaths of four civilians. In Laboué, a religious sanctuary was targeted.
Baalbeck, famous for its Roman ruins, was not spared. A raid hit the Al-Zahraa neighborhood, without prior evacuation warning, plunging residents into panic. Another raid targeted the town of Hadath Baalbek. The Ministry of Health has already reported a heavy toll of 27 deaths in the Bekaa since the morning.
Deadly Israeli raids in the South
Attacks intensified in the South, where several towns were heavily hit. Tire was again targeted by airstrikes. One of these strikes was particularly devastating: a seaside building collapsed, according to an AFP photographer on site. Rescuers are trying to find victims under the rubble, without a precise assessment being able to be established.
The towns of Kafra, Yater and Jouaya were also targeted, causing several injuries. Other localities, such as Siddiqin, Zebqine and Aïtit, as well as Bint Jbeil where a garage was destroyed by a missile, suffered strikes. Residents continue to flee these areas, already affected by daily bombings. The Israeli army claims to continue its operations against Hezbollah infrastructure, despite the serious consequences for civilians.
For its part, Hezbollah responded with widespread retaliatory strikes, targeting Israeli forces and military positions along the border with hundreds of missiles and claiming more than 95 Israeli casualties and more than 900 wounded. The pro-Iranian outfit claimed that its fighters repelled Israeli units that attempted infiltrations in Chihine, Jebbayn and Wadi Hammoul, under heavy air and artillery cover.
Humanitarian crisis: diaspora solidarity and international support
IN view of this difficult situation, Lebanese expatriates are mobilizing to provide essential medical aid to Lebanese hospitals, overwhelmed by the influx of injured people. The Ministry of Health coordinated the shipment of 23 tons of medical supplies, including medicines and emergency equipment, transported by Middle East Airlines, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. The ministry praised the efforts of diplomats and the diaspora for their solidarity, while thanking the airlines which, despite the security conditions, ensure the transport of aid.
The health crisis is exacerbated by repeated attacks on medical personnel and facilities. According to the World Health Organization, 55 attacks have targeted the Lebanese medical sector since the start of the offensive, making access to care extremely difficult in certain areas.
Towards a possible ceasefire?
Diplomatically, the prospect of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remains uncertain. An American official told the Al-Arabiya channel that no proposal for a unilateral ceasefire had been submitted to Lebanon, despite ongoing discussions between the American envoy, Amos Hochstein, and Lebanese representatives. Divergences persist, leaving little hope for a rapid de-escalation.
