Israeli drone strikes targeted a highway south of Beirut on Wednesday, killing eight people, including two children, according to Lebanese officials. The attack occurred in the coastal town of Barja, about 20 kilometers south of the capital.
Witnesses reported seeing a drone fire two missiles at a car traveling on the highway. The vehicle burst into flames, and emergency responders rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire and retrieve victims. Ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Details of the Attack
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a vehicle carrying Hezbollah operatives. However, Lebanese authorities disputed this claim, asserting that the victims were civilians. Among the dead were two children aged 7 and 10, who were traveling with their father, a schoolteacher.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from Lebanese officials and international human rights groups. The United Nations called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
Regional Context
The strike comes amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has been involved in sporadic clashes with Israeli forces. The group has vowed retaliation for the attack, raising fears of a broader escalation.
Israeli officials have defended the strike as a necessary measure to prevent attacks on Israeli territory. However, critics argue that such actions violate international law and endanger civilian lives.
The incident has also sparked protests in Beirut, with demonstrators condemning the Israeli strikes and calling for international intervention. The Lebanese government has filed a complaint with the United Nations Security Council.
As the region braces for potential retaliation, diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation. The United States and European Union have urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further violence.
