A series of rocket strikes from Lebanon into northern Israel on Thursday, led to the tragic deaths of seven people, including four foreign workers and three Israeli nationals, marking one of the most intense cross-border escalations since the conflict spread to the region.
In response, Israeli forces launched airstrikes across Lebanon, reportedly aimed at Hezbollah positions, resulting in 24 casualties, according to Lebanese health authorities. The Biden administration has sent diplomats to pursue ceasefire talks in both Lebanon and Gaza, as it pushes for a resolution amidst the approach of U.S. elections.
Airstrikes on Hospitals and Medical Supply Damage in Gaza
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes severely impacted one of the last operational hospitals in the northern region, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The attack compromised essential medical supplies from recent UN deliveries, damaging water tanks, the dialysis unit, and sections of the surgery building. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital’s director, shared that four medics were injured while attempting to contain a fire resulting from the attack. Gaza’s Health Ministry issued a statement condemning the strikes and urged the international community to take action to protect medical facilities in the area.
Deadly Rocket Attacks on Israel and Civilian Casualties
In northern Israel, rockets landed in the agricultural town of Metula, where four foreign workers and an Israeli farmer lost their lives. Another attack struck a suburb of Haifa, killing a 30-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman, with two more injured. Hezbollah, known for its connections to Iran along with Hamas, has yet to claim responsibility for Thursday’s attack, although Israel’s military reported 90 projectiles fired from Lebanon that day.
Border Tensions and Growing Worker Safety Concerns
As Hezbollah continues its intensive rocket and drone attacks across the border, Israeli retaliatory strikes persist, creating a perilous environment for border workers and residents. Although Metula was largely evacuated in October 2023, security officials and agricultural workers still remain along the border. Advocacy groups like the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants have raised concerns about the safety of foreign workers allowed to work in high-risk areas without adequate protection.
Lebanese Casualties Amid Warnings and Evacuations
On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes killed 24 people in Lebanon, including 13 in the Bekaa Valley, following evacuation warnings issued by Israel’s military. The Lebanese Health Ministry has since reported a 24-hour death toll of 45, with 110 people wounded across different regions.
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