An Israeli military strike has killed at least 12 Lebanese medical personnel at a healthcare facility in Borj Qalaouiya, Lebanon’s state news agency reports. This tragic incident significantly heightens calls for de-escalation, even as diplomatic efforts intensify to facilitate crucial Lebanon peace talks between the warring parties.

The overnight assault targeted an Islamic Health Committee facility, an organization affiliated with Hezbollah. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate any additional victims buried under the rubble, according to the health ministry.

This attack raises the number of paramedics killed in Lebanon to 31 since the conflict began. The Lebanese health ministry strongly condemns the repeated targeting of ambulance crews, asserting they were engaged in rescue duties.

Conversely, the Israeli military states its Friday strike in Majdel, approximately seven kilometers from Borj Qalaouiya, targeted Hezbollah operatives transporting rockets to a weapons depot. Israel also accuses Hezbollah of illicitly using ambulances for military purposes, a claim vehemently denied by Lebanon's health ministry.

Diplomatic Push for Lebanon Peace Talks

Amid the escalating violence, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced Lebanon's readiness for “direct talks” with Israel. Macron offers Paris as a neutral venue for these critical Lebanon peace talks, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent the country from descending into further chaos.

The French President urges Israel to cease its offensive and Hezbollah to halt its actions, stating, “France is ready to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris.” He has engaged with Lebanese leaders to advance this diplomatic initiative.

Reports from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz suggest that direct negotiations could commence within days. These discussions would reportedly aim to end hostilities and address the disarmament of Hezbollah. Sources indicate US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner might participate, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s confidant Ron Dermer leading the Israeli delegation. Potential locations include Paris or Cyprus.

Escalation Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

The Lebanese health ministry reports a grim toll, with 826 people killed in Lebanon since the fighting erupted, including 65 women and 106 children. Additionally, 2,009 individuals have sustained injuries.

Israeli bombardment continues across Lebanon. An apartment building in Nabaa-Burj Hammoud, a densely populated northern Beirut suburb, faced a strike for the second consecutive day, resulting in one fatality and four injuries. Strikes also targeted the southern coastal city of Sidon, where state media reported an apartment in a residential building was hit, causing a fire.

During a solidarity visit to Beirut, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the war. He launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal to support the hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese, stressing that “there is no military solution, only diplomacy.”

Tensions also remain high along the southern border. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed one of its positions near Mais al-Jabal was struck, likely by heavy machine gun fire, wounding a peacekeeper. An investigation is underway to determine the source of the gunfire.

Source: Dawn - Home