Massive Israeli Airstrikes Prompt Evacuation of 80,000 from Ancient Lebanese City of Baalbek
On Wednesday, Israel launched massive airstrikes on the eastern city of Baalbek in Lebanon, which is located approximately 70km northeast of Beirut. The Israeli military (IDF) had earlier warned the city's 80,000 residents to evacuate, marking the first such large-scale evacuation order from the IDF in this location, which is significantly north and away from the frontlines in southern Lebanon. The main roads out of the city were filled with chaos and traffic throughout the day.
Baalbek Almost Empty Following Evacuation Warning
Following the evacuation warning, a correspondent from AFP reported that the city was almost empty. Earlier bombings in the same area, the Bekaa Valley, had resulted in at least 60 fatalities on Monday. Baalbek is renowned for its intact Roman-era temples, leading many to consider it "the most magnificent temple city in the world."
Israeli Army to Act Forcefully Against Hezbollah Interests
Alongside the evacuation warning, the IDF released a map that included the entire extended city situated in the eastern Bekaa Valley, a well-known Hezbollah stronghold. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that the Israeli army would act forcefully against Hezbollah interests within the city and villages.
Airstrikes Begin Shortly After New Hezbollah Chief's Speech
The airstrikes on Baalbek, an ancient city and UNESCO site with numerous Roman ruins, began just minutes after the newly appointed Hezbollah chief, Sheikh Naim Qassem, started his first address as the Secretary-General of the Iran-backed paramilitary group. Qassem's speech emphasized the group's readiness to continue fighting as long as Israel remains on Lebanese territory. He confidently stated, "Final victory will be ours," during the nearly hour-long pre-recorded video speech from an undisclosed location.
Qassem Vows to Continue Fighting
Qassem, who spoke in front of a large image of his assassinated predecessor Hassan Nasrallah, pledged that they could keep fighting for days, weeks, and even months. This comes after the group suffered significant losses and setbacks, including the assassination of Nasrallah and his deputy leader, Hashem Safieddine, along with top officers.
Qassem's Speech Highlights
In his speech, Qassem described Nasrallah as a brother and referred to the assassinated leader Hashem Safieddine as a man Nasrallah could heavily rely on. He also described the killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar as “an icon of heroism and Palestinian resistance and the free people of the world”. Qassem pledged that under his leadership, Hezbollah would continue Nasrallah's work and keep fighting a war with Israel while following the same political path.
Baalbek Strikes Create a "Kill Zone"
A regional reporter has referred to the ongoing strikes on a large area of Baalbek as a "kill zone". A Beirut-based AJ journalist wrote, "They’re effectively a kill zone – if you remain behind, Israel says that you are a fair target." Despite this, international humanitarian law requires Israel to take responsibility for any civilians left behind after issuing evacuation orders.
Heavy Ground Fighting in Southern Lebanon
Southern Lebanon has also been the scene of heavy ground fighting amid the IDF ground offensive. Lebanese authorities reported 15 deaths in attacks in Sarafand and Haret Saida near Sidon city. The authorities do not distinguish between combatants and civilians when reporting casualties. Since the war began, Israel has reported that 33 of its soldiers have been killed in Lebanon.
Bottom Line
The situation in Lebanon is tense and fraught with uncertainty as the conflict continues to escalate. The massive evacuation of Baalbek and the subsequent airstrikes highlight the severity of the situation. As the new Hezbollah chief vows to continue the fight, it remains to be seen how this will impact the region and the world at large. What are your thoughts on this situation? Share this article with your friends and engage in the discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
