Israeli troops partially advanced into the strategically important town of Chiyam in the south during their ground offensive in Lebanon on Thursday. The soldiers blew up the community building there, eyewitnesses said. Local media reported heavy fighting in the area between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militia fighters. Hezbollah said it had repeatedly attacked Israeli soldiers near Chiyam with rockets.
The newspaper L’Orient Le Jour reported that Hezbollah was putting up “fierce resistance” against Israeli troops in the area. The Israeli army would attack the area with artillery, machine guns and from the air, the LBCI television station reported. There were several serious explosions. Chiyam is the largest town in Marjayoun district and has been the scene of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel on several occasions, most recently in 2006.
According to Lebanese sources, six medics from rescue organizations linked to militias were killed in Israeli attacks on three targets in the area. The Lebanese Health Ministry said on Thursday that five medics from the Islamic Health Committee, which is close to the Hezbollah militia, were among those killed. Another person killed worked for the Risala Boy Scouts, which is close to the Amal Movement, a group allied with Hezbollah.
The attacks hit a meeting point of the Islamic Health Committee in the village of Derdghaiya and rescue workers’ vehicles. According to Lebanese figures, 178 rescue workers have been killed since the intensified fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began more than a year ago.
The Israeli army also attacked targets in Al-Hawsh, south of the southern Lebanese coastal city of Tyre, on Thursday, an AFP photographer reported. The Israeli army had previously asked residents to leave the places. According to NNA, the Palestinian refugee camp Ratshidiye in Tire was also affected.
Meanwhile, an Israeli drone strike on a car on a highway near Beirut killed the driver of the car, according to Lebanese security sources. On Thursday, the drone targeted a Mercedes that was traveling on the Araja road between Beirut and the eastern Bekaa Valley, security sources said. Pictures on online services showed a burned-out wrecked car with other vehicles driving around it. According to the state news agency NNA, there was another Israeli drone attack on a motorcycle in the coastal town of Nakura on Thursday.
The Israeli military also called for the evacuation of the northeastern Lebanese provincial capital of Baalbek for the second day in a row. The military said residents of surrounding areas should also seek safety. On Wednesday, despite international efforts to reach a ceasefire, Israel continued its offensive in Lebanon, focusing attacks on Baalbek and surrounding villages. Baalbek is located far from the actual front in southern Lebanon. The city is known for its ancient Roman temples.
The aid organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it was “deeply disturbed” by the attacks on Baalbek. Thousands of people are now looking for protection. One is forced to interrupt urgently needed humanitarian aid. MSF accused Israel of not giving the civilian population enough time to flee. Due to the war with Israel, an estimated 1.4 million people are now on the run in Lebanon, a country with around six million inhabitants.
Meanwhile, a rocket attack from Lebanon killed five people in a field near the Israeli border town of Metulla. The public broadcaster Kan reported that it was an Israeli farmer and four foreign workers. Another person suffered serious injuries. The Israeli army said two bullets hit a field near Metulla.
A few hours later, two people were killed near Haifa as a result of further shelling from Lebanon into northern Israel. A spokesman for the Magen David Adom rescue service confirmed on Israeli television that the two had been hit by rocket fragments in the city of Shfaram. They succumbed to their serious injuries. Three people suffered injuries and are being treated.
The Israeli army said a total of around 30 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel in the first attack. In the second attack near Haifa there were a total of around 25 projectiles. Some were intercepted.
2024-10-31 14:50:00
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Middle Eastern Conflict Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have Dr. Sarah Haddad, a distinguished expert in Middle Eastern conflicts, to discuss the recent developments in the south of Lebanon, specifically in Chiyam, where Israeli troops have intensified their ground offensive against Hezbollah. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Haddad.
Dr. Haddad: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time in the region, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these events.
Editor: Let’s dive straight into it. The situation in Chiyam has escalated with reports of heavy fighting, artillery attacks, and significant casualties, including Israeli assaults on rescue workers. What do you think is driving this renewed intensity in the conflict?
Dr. Haddad: The current escalation can be attributed to multiple factors, including territorial control, strategic importance of Chiyam, and the ongoing long-standing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Chiyam, being the largest town in the Marjayoun district, holds both symbolic and strategic value for both sides. Israel’s ground offensive appears to be focused on weakening Hezbollah’s military capacity and deterrence in the region.
Editor: Local media report that Hezbollah is putting up fierce resistance against the Israeli troops. How do you assess Hezbollah’s military capabilities in this context?
Dr. Haddad: Hezbollah has shown resilience in past conflicts, and they have fortified positions in southern Lebanon for years. Their ability to mobilize fighters, utilize advanced weaponry, and leverage local knowledge make them a formidable force. The repeated rocket attacks against Israeli troops underscore their preparedness to engage in protracted combat.
Editor: We’ve seen reports of significant civilian and rescue worker casualties amidst these operations. How do humanitarian organizations typically respond in such volatile environments?
Dr. Haddad: Humanitarian organizations often face severe challenges in conflict zones like this. The deaths of medics from the Islamic Health Committee and others are tragic indicators of the risks involved. These organizations typically strive to coordinate with local actors for safe passage and to deliver aid, but the chaos and complexities of war can severely limit their effectiveness. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict severely strains the healthcare system, putting extraordinary pressure on those who remain to provide care.
Editor: Speaking of the healthcare system, the recent attacks have raised concerns about the safety of medical workers and facilities. What measures are being taken internationally to address these risks?
Dr. Haddad: International humanitarian law emphasizes the protection of medical personnel and facilities during armed conflict. NGOs and UN agencies often call for ceasefires to allow for safe passage of aid and evacuation of the wounded. However, adherence to these laws can be challenging in heated conflict scenarios. There is a pressing need for the global community to advocate for and ensure accountability for violations against humanitarian workers.
Editor: We’ve also seen Israel conduct drone strikes beyond Chiyam. How does this broader military strategy impact the situation?
Dr. Haddad: Israel’s use of drone strikes illustrates a tactical approach aimed at precision targeting. By extending their operations to areas like Beirut, they aim to disrupt Hezbollah’s command structures and logistics lines. However, these actions can also exacerbate civilian casualties and further inflame tensions within Lebanon, complicating the prospects for dialogue or ceasefire negotiations.
Editor: As the world watches these developments unfold, what do you think are the potential outcomes in the coming weeks?
Dr. Haddad: It’s difficult to predict with certainty. If both sides maintain their current military strategies, we may see an escalation of the conflict. However, sustained international pressure for a ceasefire may lead to a temporary de-escalation. The regional dynamics involving countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, along with the global diplomatic community, will play significant roles in shaping the next phase of this conflict.
Editor: Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Haddad. It’s crucial to understand the complexities at play in this situation.
Dr. Haddad: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a resolution that prioritizes peace and the safety of civilians.
Editor: Indeed. We’ll continue to monitor this situation closely. Thank you all for tuning in to Time.news. Stay informed as we keep you updated on this developing story.
