At least 19 people, including eight women, have been killed by Israeli airstrikes around the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek, the Lebanese health ministry reported. The escalation came after evacuation orders from Israel, which covered Baalbek and the surrounding towns, pushed tens of thousands to leave the area amid a series of strikes targeting alleged Hezbollah sites.
Baalbek’s mayor, Mustafa al-Shell, said that there were over 20 airstrikes in the area and five targeted Baalbek itself, near a UNESCO World Heritage site that features ancient Roman ruins. The Israeli military said its attacks hit Hezbollah command centers, logistical supply routes, and fuel depots in the Bekaa Valley, an important region for Hezbollah’s strategic links to Syria and Iran. According to Lebanese state news, there had been strikes on diesel tanks in Douris and columns of smoke could be seen in the area.
The strikes come at a time when the new leader of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, said that Hezbollah will continue its campaign against Israel. The group has been hit hard with significant losses, including the recent loss of former leader Hassan Nasrallah. Qassem said Hezbollah would remain committed to its campaign even as calls for a ceasefire are made.
On-the-ground reports coming out of Lebanon indicate the widespread damage, with most inhabitants evacuated from Baalbek and its surroundings. Viral videos online revealed some choked roads as evacuations occurred. Authorities were raising alarm over civilians and more specifically about cultural heritage sites since UNESCO was emphasizing protection over ancient sites in Baalbek from military activities.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called for Israel to keep civilians away and preserve cultural sites as fighting in Jerusalem continues, amid the United States sending diplomatic envoys Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk to Israel with talks meant to lead towards a potential diplomatic resolution of the 11-day assault. On another front, US officials said discussions have begun for a proposed 60-day ceasefire.
According to the Lebanese authorities, at least 2,800 casualties have been estimated, and around 1.2 million have been displaced from their homes by the hostilities. The clash also includes rockets from Hezbollah crossing over into northern Israel in an effort to try and support the Gaza assault, with continuous Israeli retaliation that continues to be negotiated for a truce.