Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon Kill Dozens, Including Children, Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and northern Lebanon have left dozens dead, with significant casualties among children, according to officials and emergency responders. In the northern Lebanese town of Almat, near Byblos, at least 23 people, including seven children, lost their lives, as confirmed by Lebanon’s health ministry. Rescue teams are continuing to search through the rubble for more victims.
In Gaza’s Jabalia area, Palestinian media and civil defense authorities reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a house, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals, including 13 children. While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did not comment on the strike in Lebanon, they stated that the Jabalia attack aimed to hit a “terrorist” site, with measures taken to reduce harm to civilians. The IDF is reviewing the details of this incident.
The Lebanese health ministry also reported an Israeli strike on an Islamic Health Authority building in Adloun, which killed three healthcare workers. This escalation comes amid Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, targeting regions beyond southern Lebanon, where much of Hezbollah’s base is located, as the conflict intensifies.
Since the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah seven weeks ago, Lebanese authorities report that at least 3,002 individuals have died, and over 1.2 million have been displaced.
In Gaza, local aid groups describe dire conditions as northern areas remain blockaded since Israel’s ground offensive began in October. In Jabalia, Dr. Fadel Naim, director of Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza City, stated that his facility had received 17 bodies from the recent strike, with the death toll expected to climb. Eyewitnesses called the strike’s impact “like an earthquake.”
In a separate incident, a welfare ministry official in Gaza City was killed, along with his family, including children, medics reported. Israel faces mounting international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with a U.S. deadline looming that could limit military support if conditions are not improved.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported an Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah-linked residence near Damascus, killing three. Israel has not yet commented on this particular strike, although last week, it targeted similar Hezbollah assets in the area.
Amid escalating violence, efforts for a ceasefire have stalled. Qatar has suspended mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, urging both sides to demonstrate a commitment to negotiations.
The ongoing conflict began after Hamas’ October 7 attack, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel. Gaza’s health ministry estimates a death toll exceeding 43,600 since the start of the war, with more casualties believed to be trapped under debris.
