Israel Airstrikes in Beirut Kill 25 Amid Ongoing Conflict

In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes resumed on October 17, 2024, after a six-day pause, resulting in at least 25 fatalities across the country. The strikes targeted Hezbollah officials, including Jalal Mustafa Hariri, the group's regional commander, and caused significant civilian casualties, particularly in the village of Qana, where 15 people died. Rescue operations were hampered by the destruction, with workers using bulldozers to search for victims among the rubble. The Israeli military justified the attacks by claiming they were aimed at Hezbollah command centers and weapons facilities located in civilian areas. However, Lebanese officials, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, accused Israel of intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure and relief coordination meetings. Mikati expressed frustration over the international community's silence regarding the civilian toll, while UN officials voiced alarm over the attacks on non-combatants. The situation escalated tensions in the region, as the Israeli military continued its offensive despite prior assurances from the United States that attacks on Beirut would be curtailed. The ongoing conflict highlights the precarious balance between military objectives and the protection of civilian lives in a densely populated area known for its strong Hezbollah presence.