In the southern city of Nabatieh, an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday destroyed the municipal headquarters, killing Mayor Ahmed Kahil and 15 others. A morgue official said the victims had been in a meeting to coordinate relief efforts for victims from the monthlong conflict that has killed hundreds in Lebanon and Israel. The attack on the municipal building brought to a new level the escalation of Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah, and raised concerns public officials and government buildings may increasingly be targeted.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Tuesday denounced the strike as a blatant attack on a meeting of the municipal council, which was discussing relief efforts. Israel has pressed ahead with its military campaign against Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon despite international concerns, including those from the U.S. Within a month, it pushed deeper into southern towns, assassinated senior Hezbollah figures and hit numerous targets, causing a huge civilian casualty and displacement toll.
Israel said it is attacking Hezbollah’s military networks, which include tunnels used by its elite forces. The UN has expressed concern at the suffering of civilians, thousands of whom have been displaced and more than 2,300 killed in the conflict that has worsened since it escalated last year. Both sides have suffered casualties, and the conflict continues to attract international criticism as the calls for a ceasefire intensify.