Israel strikes kill at least 40 in Gaza’s Rafah

An Israeli drone strike on Monday killed one person and injured several civilians near the Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil, according to reports.

The state-run National News Agency (NNA) stated that “an enemy drone” struck a motorcycle close to the hospital, resulting in the death of the rider and injuries to others. The agency did not specify if the injured were civilians.

The hospital, which is operated by the Islamic Health Committee linked to Hezbollah, reported that one person was killed and nine others were wounded, with four in serious condition.

An AFP photographer at the scene observed a burnt motorbike near the hospital entrance.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on this specific strike but mentioned targeting other areas in southern Lebanon in response to “terrorist launches.”

Mohammed Suleiman, director of Salah Ghandour Hospital, confirmed receiving one deceased and nine injured, mostly civilians who were outside the hospital, where family and companions of patients typically gather. Two of the injured were in critical condition, and the strike caused minor damage to the hospital.

On Sunday, Israeli strikes on motorbikes in three southern Lebanon border villages resulted in the deaths of seven people, including five Hezbollah fighters, in Houla, Aita al-Shaab, and Naqoura.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Israel has “surprising plans” for Lebanon, a remark mocked by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who claimed it was Gaza and Hezbollah that surprised Israel on October 7 and 8.