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Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon has claimed 40 lives in and around the eastern city of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley on Wednesday, as reported by the country’s health ministry. Additional strikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs at dusk.
The health ministry confirmed that Israeli strikes in Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley resulted in 40 deaths and 53 injuries. The Israeli military did not issue a statement.
Israel has persistently targeted Hezbollah strongholds in the southern suburbs of Beirut. On Wednesday, the Israeli military instructed residents in these areas to evacuate specific locations. Subsequently, two waves of bombings occurred, one late on Wednesday and another early on Thursday.
Lebanon’s Al Jadeed TV reported at least four strikes on Thursday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or specific details about the targets.
Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Naim Qassem, stated on Wednesday that he doubted political efforts would end the hostilities. He suggested that indirect negotiations could commence if Israel ceased its attacks.
“When the enemy decides to stop the aggression, there is a path for negotiations that we have clearly defined – indirect negotiations through the Lebanese state and speaker (of parliament Nabih) Berri,” Qassem said.
US diplomatic efforts to mediate between Israel and Hezbollah, which included a proposed 60-day ceasefire, collapsed last week ahead of the US election on Tuesday, in which former President Donald Trump regained the White House.
Frances Ibiefo
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