By 9jaeye 
An Israeli airstrike hit the Christian-majority town of Aitou in northern Lebanon on October 14, 2024, killing 19 people, with the death toll expected to rise. The airstrike targeted a house occupied by displaced families, sparking immediate concerns over civilian casualties. Rescue teams are still at work, trying to recover more bodies from the wreckage, as several people remain missing.
The Israeli airstrike is part of Israel’s expanding military operations targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon. In recent weeks, Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged heavy fire, but this strike marks one of the most deadly attacks on civilians in the ongoing conflict. The air raid, which occurred far from the usual conflict zone in southern Lebanon, signals a dangerous escalation in the war.
Increasing Hostilities Between Israel and Hezbollah
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated in recent days, with Israel conducting airstrikes throughout Lebanon in response to Hezbollah’s continued rocket attacks. These military operations have now extended beyond southern Lebanon, hitting areas like Beirut and northern Lebanon, where Aitou is located. Israeli authorities claim these strikes aim to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure, yet civilian casualties are mounting, raising serious concerns.
Lebanese authorities are calling for international intervention to stop the violence. Humanitarian organizations are also sounding the alarm, warning of a growing humanitarian crisis as hostilities intensify. The situation has sparked fears of an even wider conflict involving other regional powers.
Rising Civilian Death Toll
As rescue workers continue their efforts in Aitou, local authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further. Several homes were destroyed in the attack, with many families caught under the rubble. Local hospitals are overwhelmed, struggling to manage the rising number of injured. Lebanese officials have condemned the strike, calling it an attack on innocent civilians. Meanwhile, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for de-escalation becoming more urgent by the hour.