Israel intensifies airstrikes in Lebanon, while families of hostages in Gaza plead for inclusion in ceasefire negotiations.
BEIRUT — Reports from Syrian media outlets suggest that Israel’s air force has carried out airstrikes near the Lebanon-Syria border, injuring five people and destroying a key bridge.
Syrian news sources have confirmed that the attack targeted infrastructure near the Matraba border crossing in the northeastern Hermel region.
Lebanon’s National News Agency has also reported multiple Israeli airstrikes in the area.
In response, the Israeli military has stated that the strikes were aimed at disrupting supply routes used to transfer weapons from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza for nearly a year are urging the government to address the hostage situation in any potential ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.
Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was kidnapped and later killed in Hamas tunnels, is concerned that the focus on the northern front is overshadowing the plight of hostages.
The Israeli military said it hit 75 targets in southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa region overnight, as Lebanese officials announced dozens of deaths. https://t.co/NDJ5HRe9dV
— Linda Hill (@bulldoghill) September 26, 2024
“We understand the importance of both fronts, but we’re worried that without decisive action, we might miss a key opportunity to secure their release,” Dickmann said, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not taking advantage of past opportunities to negotiate their freedom.
The families are seeking comprehensive cease-fire terms that include provisions for the hostages, especially following a previous ceasefire that led to the release of nearly 100 hostages, including Dickmann’s sister-in-law, Yarden Roman-Gat.
Since the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, which resulted in the abduction of about 250 individuals and the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, the conflict in Gaza has claimed over 41,000 Palestinian lives.
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has responded to calls for a cease-fire from the U.S. and France, stating that their proposal is still just a suggestion.
While Netanyahu is currently in the U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly, he has not formally responded to the proposal.
In the face of escalating tensions with Hezbollah, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to military operations against Hezbollah, promising to ensure the safety and stability of the thousands of citizens displaced by the conflict.
Netanyahu’s office has confirmed that airstrikes are still ongoing against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
Israel has stepped up its air strikes in Lebanon, targeting sites linked to Hezbollah, in response to rocket attacks.
This has led to over 630 casualties, including many women and children, since Monday. Hezbollah has continued to fire rockets, aiming at Israeli forces after Hezbollah’s attack on October 7.
The conflict has forced thousands to flee and has led to Israel increasing its military presence.
The US and its allies are pushing for a 21-day stop-fight to negotiate, worried the conflict could escalate into a larger regional war.
Meanwhile, Britain has committed $6.7 million in aid to Lebanon, including medical supplies and fuel, and sent 700 troops to Cyprus to help with evacuations.
The UK’s actions are part of a global call for a cease-fire to allow for diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
