Israeli strikes in south kill 5 fighters from Hezbollah, Amal

On Friday, Israeli forces conducted artillery strikes on several areas near the Lebanon border, including al-Labbouneh, Rashaya al-Fokhar, al-Fardees, and al-Hebbariyeh. Additionally, Israeli aircraft targeted five villages in the southern part of Lebanon the previous night, such as al-Qantara, al-Taybeh, and Blida. These attacks resulted in the deaths of five members of Hezbollah and the allied Amal movement.

Hezbollah disclosed the loss of two members, referring to them as having fallen “on the road to Jerusalem,” a term it uses for members killed by Israeli forces. The Amal movement also reported the deaths of three of its fighters due to an overnight airstrike on a residence in al-Qantara village. This increased the toll to 12 Hezbollah and Amal members killed since Wednesday.

From October 8 onwards, Amal has reported the deaths of eight fighters, with various incidents including drone and airstrikes by Israel targeting southern towns and villages. Among the casualties mourned was Hussein Berjawi, alongside his daughters, sister, and grandson, all of whom perished in an airstrike on Nabatiyeh on Wednesday.

Following an Israeli operation that killed 15 individuals, including a Hezbollah commander and 10 civilians, Hezbollah retaliated by firing numerous rockets into northern Israel on Thursday. This marked one of the deadliest days in Lebanon since the conflict began on October 7, coinciding with the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

The ongoing exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated tensions, drawing calls from the United Nations Secretary-General and the United States for a cessation of hostilities.

According to reports, the conflict has resulted in at least 268 fatalities on the Lebanese side, with the majority being Hezbollah fighters, in addition to 40 civilians. The Israeli side has suffered the loss of 10 soldiers and six civilians, as per the Israeli military’s records.