Israeli attacks on Lebanon since October 7, 2023, have killed 4,047 people and injured 16,638 others, according to Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad.
Speaking at a televised press conference on Wednesday, Abiad revealed that the dead included 316 children and 790 women, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians.
The escalation of the violence followed the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7.
This conflict reignited long-standing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group allied with Hamas.
Fighting intensified in September when Israel launched heavy attacks on Hezbollah. These strikes included the killing of Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and widespread bombardments across Beirut and other areas in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities reported that Hezbollah attacks had killed 45 civilians in northern Israel and the Golan Heights, along with 73 Israeli soldiers during clashes in northern Israel, the Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon.
Violation of the truce
Efforts to end the violence led to a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France on November 27 2024.
However, both sides have accused each other of violating the truce, raising concerns about the fragility of the agreement.
See also Ruto vows to upgrade JKIA despite Adani deal cancellation
During his briefing, Abiad also detailed the toll on Lebanon’s healthcare system. He reported 67 Israeli attacks on hospitals, with 40 facilities directly targeted and seven forced to shut down entirely.
The strikes have disrupted medical care, medical facilities compounding the humanitarian crisis.
While Israel maintains that its operations target Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure, the human and structural toll in Lebanon continues to mount, deepening the region’s instability.
