Israel warplanes attack two churches in southern Beirut

Israeli warplanes targeted religious sites including two prominent churches and a hospital in the southern suburbs of Beirut, causing extensive damage but with no immediate reports of casualties.

The Lebanese News Agency reported that the Israeli attacks focused on the vicinity of Our Lady of Salvation Church near Saint George Hospital in the Hadath area, as well as a 12-story residential building near Mar Michael Church in the Chiyah neighborhood.

The attacks caused significant damage to nearby structures but did not result in immediate fatalities.

In southern Lebanon, Israeli fighter jets carried out multiple attacks on the town of Jibchit, located in the Nabatieh district.

The town was hit seven times, with several homes reportedly destroyed.

Local authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, though damage to infrastructure and residential areas has been widespread.

These latest attacks are part of an intensifying military invasion by Israel, which began in late September.

The Israeli government claims it is targeting Hezbollah positions, but the strikes have often hit civilian areas, further escalating tensions.

The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has been part of a broader regional war sparked by the conflict in Gaza. Since Israel launched its air campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the violence has spread across the region.

More than 3,400 people have been killed and nearly 14,600 injured in Lebanon as a result of Israeli attacks since the war began, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel has expanded its military attakcs in Lebanon, carrying out a ground assault in the southern part of the country on October 1, marking a significant escalation.

This was followed by intensive attacks in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, with Lebanese authorities reporting 145 Israeli attacks in a single day.

The military attacks have displaced thousands of people and caused widespread destruction.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has continued to engage in retaliatory firefights with Israeli forces, launching missiles and drones at Israeli military bases.

The group has also struck a synagogue in Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city.

As the violence continues, the potential for the conflict to spill over into a full-scale regional war remains high.

The humanitarian impact has been devastating.

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 43,799 Palestinians and injured more than 103,600 since October 7, according to Gaza health authorities.

In addition, more than 1 million people have been displaced across Gaza and Lebanon.

Despite growing international calls for a ceasefire, the conflict shows no sign of abating.

The United States has been involved in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, with discussions focused on achieving a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.

Iran has also signaled its support for Lebanese efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.

As the situation in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel continues to evolve, the international community is bracing for further developments, with fears that the conflict could spread beyond the current borders.