Beirut, Lebanon – A deadly Israeli air strike in northern Lebanon claimed the lives of at least 21 individuals and injured eight others in an apartment building in the village of Aitou within the Zgharta district. The attack, which targeted a residential apartment, occurred amid escalated tensions between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, marking the first strike in the area in a year, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Hezbollah, a prominent presence in the south of Lebanon and southern suburbs of Beirut, engaged in multiple conflicts with the Israeli military, including a recent drone attack that resulted in four Israeli soldiers killed and numerous others wounded. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue strikes against Hezbollah across Lebanon, extending to Beirut, following the deadly assault by the group.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to widespread displacement of over a million individuals, forcing them to flee their homes. Hezbollah fighters clashed with Israeli soldiers in Aita al-Shaab, targeting an armored personnel carrier and launching rockets towards the city of Haifa in Israeli territory. The Israeli military responded by intercepting most of the incoming projectiles.

The European Union and several foreign ministers expressed deep concern over Israeli attacks on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, labeling the assaults as violations of international law. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), comprised of troops from various nations, faced multiple attacks and violations by Israeli forces, leading to injuries among peacekeeping troops.

Despite calls from Israel for UN peacekeepers to withdraw from southern Lebanon, Spain’s Prime Minister declared there would be no withdrawal of UNIFIL from the region. The international community remains vigilant about the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as the conflict continues to impact the stability and security of the region. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon remains committed to maintaining its positions and fulfilling its mandate, despite Israeli demands for relocation.