Two people killed and fires erupt in southern Lebanon following Israeli airstrikes: state media
Published on: June 10, 2024.
Filed under:
**Beirut: Israeli Strikes in Southern Lebanon Result in Casualties and Fires**
Two people were killed and wildfires were ignited in southern Lebanon following Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, according to state media. One fighter from Iran-backed group Hezbollah was also announced dead. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has been engaged in frequent clashes with Israeli forces since the start of the Gaza war in October 7. The violence has escalated in recent weeks, resulting in multiple brush fires on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.
On Saturday, an Israeli drone conducted an air attack, targeting a cafe in Aitarun and resulting in the deaths of the cafe’s owner and a young man. There was also a violent airstrike on the border village of Khiam. In response to these attacks, Hezbollah launched Katyusha rockets on a town across the border. They cited the Israeli enemy’s attacks on southern villages and safe houses, as well as the targeting of civilians. One Hezbollah fighter was killed in Israeli fire.
Since October 8, the ongoing border violence has claimed the lives of 458 people in Lebanon, including fighters and civilians. On the Israeli side, the army reported that 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed. Lebanese authorities and rights groups have accused Israel of using white phosphorus rounds in their strikes, resulting in fires in forested areas. White phosphorus is prohibited as a chemical weapon but is allowed for illuminating battlefields and as a smokescreen. Rescuers have been struggling to extinguish the fires, while the Lebanese military is hesitant to send helicopters for assistance due to fear of additional Israeli attacks.
In the midst of the conflict, a fire broke out near Lebanese army positions and the UN peacekeeping mission in the border village of Mais al-Jabal. However, the fire did not reach the positions or cause any casualties. Firefighting operations are still ongoing, including the detonation of landmines in the area.
For the source article, please click [here](https://www.brecorder.com).
