Israeli warplanes carried out a new series of air strikes on southern Lebanon on Wednesday, hitting the towns of Mahrouna, Jbaa, al-Majadel and Braashit. The attacks came just one day after rare direct talks between civilian leaders from both sides — the first such meeting in decades.
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| Five killed in Israeli strike on Gaza encampment |
Lebanon: Border Tension Escalates
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the strikes hit residential and agricultural areas. Witnesses described:
- Loud explosions across multiple towns
- Thick columns of smoke rising from the targeted areas
- Drones flying overhead for hours
Rescue teams were unable to reach some sites immediately due to ongoing drone surveillance and fears of additional strikes. Local authorities urged civilians to stay indoors as tensions along the border continue to rise.
Gaza: five More Palestinians Killed
In the Gaza Strip, the situation remains catastrophic. According to the Health Ministry, Israeli attacks over the last 24 hours have killed 5 Palestinians and wounded 16 others.
In Rafah, Yasser Abu Shabab, alleged leader of an Israeli-backed armed group, was killed in an “incident.” Rafah is under full Israeli military control, but the circumstances of his death remain unclear, raising questions among local residents.
Following the incident, residents reported:
- Intensified military patrols
- New checkpoints restricting movement
- Increased surveillance and searches
Hospitals on the Brink of Collapse
Gaza’s medical system is nearing total breakdown. Doctors in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah warned that:
- Antibiotics and essential medicines are almost gone
- Operating rooms lack basic surgical supplies
- Fuel for generators is nearly depleted
- Patient numbers are overwhelming capacity
Medical staff say the pressure is “beyond anything we have ever seen.”
War Toll Since October 2023
| Location | Killed | Wounded / Other |
|---|---|---|
| Gaza | 70,125 | 171,015 wounded |
| Israel | 1,139 | ~200 captured |
UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
“The humanitarian system is collapsing. Every hour without a ceasefire costs more civilian lives.”
The United Nations once again urged all sides to implement an immediate ceasefire. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled due to disagreements among regional and international powers over humanitarian access and long-term political arrangements.
What to Watch Next
- Whether cross-border strikes escalate along the Lebanon–Israel frontier
- Humanitarian access and aid deliveries to Gaza’s hospitals
- Statements from regional powers and the UN regarding a ceasefire
Reporting from Beirut and Gaza. Sources: local news agencies, Health Ministry reports, and UN statements.