URGENT UPDATE: A deadly Israeli airstrike in Tiri, southern Lebanon, just occurred, claiming the life of one individual and injuring 11 others, including students on a passing school bus. This shocking incident unfolded on Wednesday morning, following a devastating attack on the nearby Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp that left 13 dead and several more wounded the previous night.
Witnesses reported that the bus, filled with students, was near the targeted car when the strike happened. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with paramedics desperately searching for human remains amidst a backdrop of blood-stained walls and burnt vehicles. The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed.
The Israeli military has not commented on the airstrike as of now. However, they previously stated that the late-night strike on the Ein el-Hilweh camp targeted a Hamas training compound believed to be orchestrating attacks against Israel. Hamas has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the facility was not used for military purposes.
Lebanon’s ongoing struggle with armed factions, particularly Hezbollah, has escalated tensions in the region. The Lebanese government has been attempting to disarm Palestinian factions within its borders, a process complicated by Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm while Israeli attacks continue. The U.S. has exerted increasing pressure on Lebanon to take decisive action against Hezbollah, leading to diplomatic tensions, including the cancellation of a visit to Washington by Lebanese army commander Gen. Rudolph Haikal.
This latest round of violence is part of the ongoing fallout from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which reignited on October 8, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Since then, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes, and the death toll has soared, with over 4,000 fatalities in Lebanon alone, including hundreds of civilians. The World Bank estimates the conflict has caused approximately $11 billion in damage.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are urging journalists and civilians to remain cautious. The impact of these strikes is being felt deeply within the communities affected, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to this escalating conflict.
Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking situation as more information becomes available.
