The United Nations humanitarian office has called for an urgent investigation into an Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of 23 individuals in northern Lebanon on Monday. The spokesman for the office expressed “real concerns” regarding the implications for international humanitarian law following the attack on the predominantly Christian village of Aitou.
Among the casualties were 12 women and two children, killed in a bombing that leveled a residential building recently rented by a family displaced from southern Lebanon. Rescue teams are still searching through the rubble in Aitou, which has experienced little conflict compared to other areas such as the Beqaa Valley and parts of Beirut.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have yet to issue a statement regarding this specific airstrike.
Elie Alwan, the property owner, revealed that the residence was home to a large family that had been joined by others before the attack occurred after what appeared to be a cash delivery. The ongoing Israeli military actions targeting Hezbollah have intensified fears throughout Lebanon, as the group’s members are being forced to relocate, making any area a potential target.
Sarkis Alwan, a local resident, expressed concern that Aitou might no longer be a welcoming place for displaced persons. He added that villagers who previously offered refuge may soon reconsider their decisions.
As Israel continues its aggressive operations against Hezbollah, civilian areas have increasingly been caught in the crossfire, with reports of multiple strikes on residential buildings. A recent attack in central Beirut led to 22 fatalities, with many others injured. The targeted location was reportedly linked to a senior Hezbollah figure, although the group has not confirmed casualty details.
The ongoing conflict has further complicated the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, with the UN refugee agency noting that over a quarter of the country is currently under Israeli evacuation orders. The organization reported that families are fleeing with almost nothing, driven by the urgent need to escape escalating violence. With over 1.2 million people displaced, many have sought shelter in Beirut, Tripoli, and other major cities but are facing unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Welfare services are struggling to cope with the massive influx of displaced individuals, leading to thousands being left on the streets. Officials had previously planned for a much smaller scale of displacement, revealing the dire extent of the crisis.
While Israeli strikes on Beirut had become a nightly occurrence, there have been reports indicating a temporary halt in attacks on the capital, possibly due to pressure from the U.S. government. Nevertheless, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify military operations against Hezbollah, while the group’s deputy leader issued a counter-threat, suggesting increased retaliation if hostilities continue.
The ongoing violence has already resulted in significant loss of life on both sides, with Lebanese authorities reporting over 2,300 fatalities, and Israel confirming around 50 casualties among its ranks.
