Beirut, October 20, 2024 — The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon has surpassed 1,800, according to figures released by the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Since the start of the intensified strikes on September 16, the bombardment has resulted in 9,330 injuries, primarily concentrated in southern Lebanon and Nabatiyeh, with further casualties reported in the Beqaa region.

Israel ramped up its military operations in response to growing tensions with Hezbollah, a militant group operating in southern Lebanon. Sunday’s attacks targeted southern Beirut, where Israel struck financial institutions tied to Hezbollah, intensifying a conflict that shows no signs of abating.

In response to the ongoing airstrikes, Hezbollah fired approximately 200 projectiles into northern Israel on Sunday, as confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepted many of these rockets, minimizing casualties and damage. The IDF reaffirmed its commitment to defending Israel against Hezbollah’s threats, continuing a steady barrage of retaliatory strikes on southern Lebanon.

Targeting Hezbollah’s Financial Infrastructure

A significant focus of Israel’s recent offensive has been Hezbollah’s financial networks. On Sunday evening, Israeli airstrikes targeted three branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a financial institution associated with Hezbollah. These strikes occurred in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the Hay Al-Sellom, Burj Al-Barajneh, and Ghobeiry areas. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported evacuations in areas near the targeted locations, including the Beqaa region where hospitals moved patients to safer areas.

Al-Qard Al-Hassan, founded in 1983, provides interest-free loans to Lebanon’s Shia community based on Islamic principles and has long been linked to Hezbollah’s financial activities. Israeli officials claim that by cutting off these financial resources, they hope to weaken Hezbollah’s ability to sustain its military operations.

Growing Civilian Casualties

The rising death toll from the strikes has raised international alarm, as southern Lebanon has borne the brunt of Israel’s intensified bombardment. Despite Hezbollah’s frequent rocket launches, which have caused relatively limited casualties in Israel due to the country’s robust air defense systems, the conflict is taking a severe toll on Lebanese civilians.

The Israeli strikes come at a time when the broader region is facing increasing instability. In Gaza, at least 87 people were killed in Israeli strikes over the weekend, adding to the growing regional tensions. Meanwhile, reports surfaced of a drone attack aimed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, with Iran denying any involvement.

International Concerns and Humanitarian Crisis

The United Nations and humanitarian groups have raised concerns over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians. In Gaza, the UN has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis as Israeli operations there continue. In Lebanon, calls for de-escalation have intensified, but the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, backed by Iran, shows no signs of slowing down.

As Israel’s defense minister visited troops near the northern border, he reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to eliminating Hezbollah’s threat, pledging further military action against the group’s financial and military capabilities.

With the situation rapidly evolving, the international community is watching closely, but any resolution seems distant as both sides continue their exchange of fire in a conflict that has already cost thousands of lives.