Tibnine, Tyre, and Nabatieh Hit in Israeli Airstrikes; 14 Dead in Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes hit Tibnine, Tyre, and Nabatieh in Lebanon, killing at least 14 people. The attacks, condemned by Lebanon's PM, targeted Hezbollah sites but caused extensive civilian damage and displacement. UNIFIL reported increased Hezbollah projectiles, while Irish peacekeepers remain deployed amidst high volatility.
The Lebanese town of Tibnine, home to a monument for 48 Irish peacekeepers, was struck by Israeli bombing raids overnight and this morning. This follows a ceasefire declared on April 14. The area, near the Irish camp 2-45, previously saw an orphanage supported by Irish aid damaged. Irish Defence Forces confirmed no damage to the monument.
Israeli forces conducted extensive airstrikes across southern Lebanon, including the historic city of Tyre and the town of Nabatieh, and the Beqaa Valley near the Syrian border. The IDF stated it hit 135 Hezbollah targets, including ten rocket launch sites and a training camp. The Lebanese government reported at least 14 people killed in the raids. Tyre, a hub for displaced civilians, suffered heavy bombardment, with videos showing fireballs from apartment blocks, though Israel claimed military targets were struck.
Attacks also occurred in Sidon and Beirut, where a senior Hezbollah officer died. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks. Hezbollah has continued to strike IDF targets with drones, killing an Israeli soldier. UNIFIL reported 600 Hezbollah projectiles towards northern Israel, with 670 fired on Wednesday, the highest since April 17. Ireland rotated troops, with the 128th Infantry Battalion now deployed, and expressed deep concern over civilian infrastructure destruction and displacement.