In a four-day period, Israeli sources report the demise of approximately 250 Hezbollah combatants.
After four days of intense ground operations in Lebanon, Israel's military declares that they've eliminated 250 Hezbollah fighters, among them 21 high-ranking commanders. Israel proudly announces, "Over the course of four precisely executed operations, 250 Hezbollah fighters have been taken out." On the 3rd day of this operation, the Israeli military announced the commencement of a "limited" ground offensive.
Israel's military boasts that they've targeted over 2000 key Hezbollah militant sites in Lebanon during the past four days. "Terrorist bases," infrastructures, military facilities, weapon storage areas, rocket launchers, and other strategic spots have been attacked. According to the military reports, two soldiers were lost in action, with two more sustaining serious injuries. News reports suggest that there have been a total of 24 wounded soldiers. There were also allegations of an airstrike by pro-Iranian militia forces from Iraq on an Israeli military base in Israel.
Health sector reports fatalities of rescuers
Under continuous Israeli shelling, three hospitals in Lebanon have had to halt operations. The Saint-Thérèse Hospital in the suburbs of Beirut reported "significant damage," as mentioned in the state news agency NNA. The hospital area was also reportedly bombarded by "Israeli warplanes" on Thursdays. The Mais al-Jabal Hospital near the Israeli border also announced the temporary closure of all departments, citing "persistent attacks on the hospital" since last October and difficulties in providing essential supplies and access.
A local health organization affiliated with Hezbollah reported that 11 rescue workers were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The Islamic Health Committee stated that seven of its members lost their lives as a result of an Israeli airstrike on a medical team at Mais al-Jabal Hospital. The same report suggests that four more were killed in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon. These figures remain unverified.
Hezbollah retaliated against Israel with rocket attacks following the extremist Islamic Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The intensity of shelling has increased dramatically since the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. According to reports, Israel has come under attack from around 180 rockets launched from neighboring Lebanon, with the Israeli military reporting these numbers today. The airstrikes intensified in the following days as the military reported the launch of even more projectiles. Sirens warning of incoming air raids sounded several times in northern Israel, but initial reports suggested no casualties or damages.
The International Commission on Human Rights expresses concern over the civilian casualties caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly the fatalities of rescue workers. The Commission calls for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to affected areas.
In response to the alleged airstrike by pro-Iranian militia forces from Iraq, The Commission requests an investigation to establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable, adhering to international humanitarian law.
