Rescue teams are diligently searching through rubble near the city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon after an Israeli strike hit a civil defense center, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives. The strike, which occurred in the town of Douris near Baalbek, claimed the lives of employees and volunteers of the Lebanese Civil Defense agency. Additional remains have been recovered, necessitating DNA testing for identification, as stated by the Lebanese Civil Defense.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense expressed profound regret over the direct attack on its members. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, the agency's staff remains committed to responding to relief calls and fulfilling their humanitarian mission.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of utilizing ambulances and medical facilities for weapon transportation and storage. However, the Israeli military has not provided a statement regarding the strike on the civil defense center in Baalbek.
Humanitarian Aid Reaches Gaza to Alleviate Crisis
Israeli authorities have announced the transportation of blood supplies into Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. The blood supplies entered through the Kerem Shalom crossing and are expected to reach Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis shortly. Hospitals in Gaza have been grappling with treating Palestinian casualties due to the lack of basic medical supplies like blood and bandages.
COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing humanitarian aid to Gaza, facilitated the delivery of essential supplies to the war-torn northern areas, including Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya, following mounting international pressure on Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Efforts to End Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Underway
An Iranian official visited Beirut to engage in discussions with top Lebanese officials regarding the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The visit coincided with Israeli air force strikes on the outskirts of the Lebanese capital. The United States has been leading attempts to broker a deal to end the 13-month war, with reports of a proposed agreement being handed over to Lebanese authorities.
Iran, a key supporter of Hezbollah, has been actively involved in efforts to address the conflict. The visit of the Iranian official follows discussions held with Syrian President Bashar Assad on the aggression in Palestine and Lebanon.
UN Security Council Draft Resolution Calls for Cease-Fire in Gaza
The U.N. Security Council's 10 elected members have circulated a draft resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent cease-fire in Gaza. The resolution also emphasizes the release of hostages seized during Hamas' attacks in southern Israel and calls for access to humanitarian aid for Gaza's civilian population.
The draft resolution underscores the critical role of the U.N. agency UNRWA in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza. It expresses deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, including healthcare shortages and food insecurity, highlighting the risk of famine in certain areas.
For more Middle East news, visit AP Middle East.
