Recent reports indicate that Israel’s intensified bombing campaign in Lebanon has inflicted unprecedented damage, surpassing the destruction seen during a year of conflict with Hezbollah. Between October 2 and 14, 2024, over 3,600 buildings in Lebanon were reportedly damaged or destroyed, amounting to approximately 54% of the total damage recorded since hostilities began over a year ago.
This alarming data, analyzed through satellite-based radar technology, highlights the extensive impact on civilian infrastructure. Experts have expressed grave concerns regarding the humanitarian implications of these military operations, noting a significant increase in civilian casualties and displacements.
Environmental specialist Wim Zwijnenburg emphasized the ramifications of the ongoing military campaign, suggesting it is creating a “dead zone” in southern Lebanon, pushing out civilians while complicating Hezbollah’s operational capabilities.
Escalations began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel in alignment with Palestinian actions following a deadly attack by Hamas. In response, Israel initiated ground operations in southern Lebanon aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah’s military resources.
Recent military activities have extended beyond the southern border, with significant strikes reported in central and northern Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Israeli forces assert they are targeting Hezbollah’s assets, claiming thousands of strikes against the group, particularly in the densely populated Dahieh suburb of Beirut, which is claimed to house crucial command facilities for Hezbollah.
Information from conflict monitoring data suggests that from September 1 to October 11, 2024, Israeli military operations resulted in approximately 2,700 attacks against locations in Lebanon, while Hezbollah launched about 540 counterattacks against Israel.
Israeli military officials maintain their operations focus on Hezbollah infrastructure, ensuring the safe return of residents in displaced areas. Approximately 60,000 individuals have evacuated northern Israel due to near-daily bombardments, which have also impacted southern regions.
Hezbollah has vowed to continue its rocket assaults on Israeli targets unless a ceasefire is reached, indicating a sustained willingness to engage militarily.
The ongoing conflict has dramatically affected Lebanon, with government reports indicating around 1.3 million internally displaced individuals, marking a potential record for the nation. Continuous evacuation orders have been issued by Israeli defense forces for regions across the south and parts of Beirut.
Describing the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe,” experts highlight the lack of adequate shelter for evacuees. Reports indicate over 2,350 fatalities in Lebanon and more than 10,000 injuries attributed to Israeli military actions, with many casualties being civilians.
In Israel, approximately 60 lives have been lost, with over 570 injuries reported from Hezbollah attacks. Analysts underline the challenge of minimizing civilian harm amid such complex hostilities, expressing concern for the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Local experts warn that the extensive bombing campaign not only threatens lives but also disrupts vital civilian infrastructure, compounding the already dire humanitarian needs in the affected areas.
