Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon kills two children, injures 22
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BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike on the town of Haboush in southern Lebanon killed two children and injured 22 people on Friday, local health officials said.
The attack occurred at approximately 2:40 p.m. local time, striking a residential area in the village. Emergency services rushed to the scene to treat the wounded and recover the bodies. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, where their conditions were described as ranging from moderate to critical.
Haboush, located in the Nabatieh Governorate, has been a focal point of recent military activity in the region. The strike marked the latest escalation in ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and militant groups operating from southern Lebanon. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and the specific target of the airstrike remains unclear.
Israeli military officials have not issued a statement regarding the incident. The Israel Defense Forces have previously stated that operations in southern Lebanon are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and preventing cross-border attacks. However, details regarding the specific objectives of the Haboush strike were not provided.
Local residents described the scene as chaotic following the explosion. Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the impact site and hearing the sound of the airstrike from nearby villages. Some residents expressed fear and uncertainty about the safety of the area, with many families seeking shelter in basements or moving to safer locations.
The Lebanese government has condemned the attack, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urging international intervention to de-escalate the situation. Lebanese officials have repeatedly criticized Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, citing civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure.
International observers have expressed concern over the rising death toll in the region. The United Nations has called for restraint from all parties and emphasized the need to protect civilians. Aid organizations are working to provide medical assistance and humanitarian support to those affected by the strike.
As of Friday evening, the full extent of the damage in Haboush was still being assessed. Local authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, but no official findings had been released. The incident has raised questions about the targeting criteria used by Israeli forces and the impact of ongoing military operations on civilian populations.
The situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile, with tensions continuing to escalate. Further developments are expected as investigations into the airstrike proceed and diplomatic efforts to address the crisis continue.