United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis, described the widespread panic in Lebanon following evacuation orders due to incoming Israeli airstrikes. Beirut residents, such as Wafaa Ezeldinne, fled their homes out of fear, causing chaos in the streets. Ranim Halawani from Saida also evacuated, even though the area was not attacked. The airstrikes targeted Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a bank under U.S. sanctions for allegedly being used by Hezbollah for financial activities.
Israeli forces expanded their offensive beyond military sites to target Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure. The IDF reported ground raids into southern Lebanon, dismantling weapons and killing Hezbollah members. The violence has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Najib Mikati calling for a diplomatic solution to end the fighting. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahia and Jabalia refugee camp have resulted in dozens of deaths. The IDF continues to target militant infrastructure and tunnel shafts in northern Gaza, as well as operating in other areas of the region.
The ongoing conflict has left many civilians in both Lebanon and Gaza in fear and uncertainty. The need for a diplomatic resolution to the violence is emphasized by both sides, with a focus on ending the bloodshed and finding a peaceful solution. The situation remains tense, with hopes for a ceasefire and negotiations to prevent further loss of life and displacement in the region.
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