Beirut: A mosque in Lebanon's southern village of Kfar Tibnit was completely destroyed by an Israeli airstrike early Sunday morning, reported Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA). This significant cultural landmark, over 100 years old, held sentimental value as a gathering place for families during special occasions, according to Village Mayor Fuad Yassin.
Escalating Conflict
This incident is part of the ongoing military campaign against Hezbollah, which has been escalating since September. The Lebanese Red Cross reported paramedics were lightly injured during an airstrike while attending to an earlier attack site. Additionally, a third UN peacekeeper was wounded, undergoing surgery and now in stable condition.
International Response
The international community has condemned Israel's actions. France summoned Israel's ambassador, while Italy and Spain deemed the strikes "unjustifiable." US President Joe Biden urged Israel to avoid targeting UNIFIL forces, and Russia demanded Israel cease its "hostile actions" against peacekeeping personnel.
Evacuation Orders
Israel has ordered residents of 23 southern Lebanese villages to evacuate, citing Hezbollah's alleged use of these areas for concealing weapons and staging attacks. However, Hezbollah denies these allegations.
Ongoing Tensions
The conflict continues to intensify, with both sides suffering casualties. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operates under increasingly challenging conditions, with over 10,000 peacekeepers from countries like Italy, France, and India.