Death toll from Israeli strike on Bachoura rises to 6 killed and 7 injured; southern suburbs of Beirut bombarded | Live updates

Five new Israeli strikes targeted the areas around Chiyah and the "Americans" neighborhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut, local media reported. No evacuation notices were issued in advance by the Israeli army.

A new Israeli strike targeted Sainte-Therese Street in Hadath, local media reports.

Two new Israeli airstrikes have targeted Haret Hreik in the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to local media reports.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket attack at 2 a.m. this morning, targeting "Israeli troop movements" in the area of Misgav Am, located across from the Lebanese village of Adaisseh (Marjeyoun district). Hezbollah stated they "hit a specific target" during the operation.

An Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of Baalbeck in the Bekaa Valley, according to the Lebanon Debate website.

A new Israeli airstrike has been reported in Haret Hreik, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to the al-Jadeed channel.

The Israeli army announced that it intercepted a device flying over the coast of Gush Dan, the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, according to Israeli media reports.

At least six people were killed and seven others injured in the Israeli strike on Bachoura, according to the latest provisional toll from the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

⚡ Two new Israeli strikes have targeted the neighborhoods of Kafa'at and Cocodi in the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to MTV.

Hezbollah claimed to have targeted "a gathering" of Israeli soldiers at 1:15 a.m. this morning in the Hanita position, located opposite Alma el-Chaab (near Sour), using artillery shells, asserting that it "hit a precise target."

The Arabic-speaking spokesperson for the Israeli army issued several imminent evacuation notices to residents of the neighborhoods of Haret Hreik, Bourj el-Barajneh, and western Hadath (located between Toulouse College and Babies First Preschool) in the southern suburbs. This notice concerns five different buildings. Typically, these alerts are followed by bombings within half an hour.

Hezbollah MP Amine Cherri appeared live on al-Jadeed, as rumors circulated regarding his presence in the building targeted by the Israeli army in the Bachoura neighborhood.

The Israeli strike on Bachoura has resulted in at least two deaths and eleven injuries, according to a preliminary toll from the Ministry of Health. The channel al-Jadeed, citing the Civil Defense, reports four fatalities.

Local media reported that the office of Hezbollah MP Amine Cherri is located in the building targeted in Bachoura. According to the Al-Jadeed channel, the elected official is alive, in good health, and was not present at the site during the strike. L'Orient-Le Jour attempted to reach Mr. Cherri by phone but was unsuccessful. It is unclear whether the bombing resulted in any casualties or injuries.

A source close to Hezbollah told AFP that an "Israeli raid targeted a Hezbollah paramedic center in the heart of Beirut."

While the Israeli army targeted central Beirut, it also carried out a strike near Zahle in the Bekaa, according to local media.

Ambulances have arrived at the scene, according to our journalist Salah Hijazi. No information on casualties is available at this time.

According to preliminary reports, the strike on Beirut is said to have targeted a center of the Islamic Health Authority, affiliated with Hezbollah, in the Bachoura neighborhood.

Another strike targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, according to local media.

According to local TV channel MTV, a first series of three strikes targeted Chiyah, in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The channel added that three missiles were probably fired from the sea. The second "did not detonate" and was probably carried out by a drone.

The Israeli army's Arabic-speaking spokesman, Avichay Adraee, said on X that the Israeli army had carried out a "targeted strike on Beirut."

He added menacingly: "To be continued."

The Israeli army said it was carrying out "targeted strikes" in Beirut, reports Reuters.

According to the al-Arabiya channel, the strike targeted the "Americans" neighborhood, located in Hadath in the southern suburbs of the capital.

The Israeli army is also carrying out strikes in the Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.

Ground clashes are reportedly ongoing on the border between southern Lebanon and northern Israel. According to local al-Jadeed channel, an Israeli infantry unit was ambushed by Hezbollah fighters as it attempted to advance and infiltrate from the Malkiya position towards the border Lebanese village of Aitaroun in South Lebanon's Bint Jbeil district.

⚡Three intense strikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to the Bint Jbeil media. The explosions were heard as far away as central Beirut. The Israeli army's Arabic-speaking spokesman issued no evacuation notice on X.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan will participate in an extraordinary Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meeting in Doha to discuss the latest developments in the region, the kingdom's ministry said in a statement.

In a statement, the GCC affirmed its support for Lebanon in such a critical phase and called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

U.N. Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted the devastating impact of hostilities on civilians and infrastructure in Lebanon. More than 346,000 people have been displaced, with the government estimating that one million people have been affected.

"Since yesterday, six hospitals and 40 primary health centers have closed. Authorities report that over 300,000 people, including both Syrian and Lebanese nationals, have fled to Syria," Dujarric said.

He emphasized that aid must reach people safely and noted that over 60,000 remain displaced in northern Israel. Regarding the situation along the Blue Line, Dujarric confirmed that Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Head of the Department of Peace Operations, will report tomorrow on the UNIFIL situation. He also mentioned that the Israel army have ordered the evacuation of nearly two dozen communities in southern Lebanon due to the ground offensive.

Dujarric concluded by stressing that U.N. peacekeepers remain committed to their mandate, urging all parties to cease hostilities, return to a cessation of violence, and adhere to Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General, stated at a press conference on the sidelines of the Security Council that Lebanon requires more than the $426 million pledged by several donor countries this week. "As we await further aid, we and our humanitarian partners are intensifying our efforts to support the government's response," he said. The World Food Programme has already provided hot meals and emergency cash to nearly 10,000 households, while theUN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) shelters are housing more than 2,300 displaced individuals.

Dujarric also highlighted that the World Health Organization is supplying trauma kits and medicines for tens of thousands of patients amid widespread facility closures, staff shortages, and severe funding shortfalls.

Our correspondent in South Lebanon reported about an hour ago a series of Israeli strikes in Toulin, in the Marjayoun district.

The strikes targeted the rescue workers' office of the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee, the municipality center, the Zahraa Mosque and several main roads, according to a source in the area.

"Jordan will not be anyone's battlefield," Jordan's top diplomat Ayman Safadi warned Israel and Iran today, adding that his country would "defend itself with all its capabilities against any threat to its security, its stability and the safety of its citizens." This statement comes at the heels of the Iranian missile attack on Israel, which crossed the kingdom's airspace. 

To read more, press here.👈

Saudi-owned al-Hadath TV reported today that an emergency ministerial meeting of Gulf countries had begun to discuss developments in the region.

(Credit: Atta Kenare/AFP)

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly warned Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah to flee Lebanon just days before the latter was killed in an Israeli strike, according to three Iranian sources cited by Reuters. Khamenei is now said to be deeply concerned about Israeli infiltration at high levels within Tehran’s government.

Following Hezbollah’s pager-bomb attack on September 17, Khamenei sent an urgent message to Nasrallah via an emissary, urging him to leave for Iran due to intelligence suggesting Israeli agents had penetrated Hezbollah and planned to target its leadership, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

"Basically, Iran lost the biggest investment it had for the past decades," said Magnus Ranstorp, a Hezbollah expert at the Swedish Defense University, of the deep damage caused to Hezbollah that he said diminished Iran's capacity to strike at Israel's borders.

"It shook Iran to the core. It shows how Iran is deeply infiltrated also: they not only killed Nasrallah, they killed Nilforoushan," he said, who was a trusted military adviser to Khamenei.

To read more, press here.👈

The Jordanian embassy announced in a press release that a Royal Jordanian plane arrived at Beirut international airport at noon today, loaded with around 3 tons of aid for displaced Lebanese fleeing the Israeli bombardment, including mattresses, blankets and provisions.

Key statements by Iran’s representative Amir Saeid Iravan at the U.N. Security Council:

- “The only way to prevent further escalation is clear: Israel must immediately cease its war on Gaza and its attacks on Lebanon.”

- “Israel has no intention of pursuing peace or a cease-fire. Unfortunately, the U.N. Security Council remains paralyzed due to U.S. obstruction of any effective decisions.”

- On Iran’s missile strike on Israel yesterday: “Iran’s actions were fully in line with the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.”

- “Iran is fully prepared to take further defensive measures if necessary, to protect its legitimate interests and defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty against any military aggression or illegal use of force. Iran will not hesitate.”

Hezbollah told al-Mayadeen TV Channel (a pro-Hezbollah media) that its fighters have been engaged with Israeli forces “on more than one axis on the front edge in southern Lebanon,” claiming to have “killed and wounded more than 80 officers and soldiers and destroyed approximately five Merkava tanks.”

Hezbollah also announced its 26th and 27th attacks of the day. It attacked a gathering of Israeli forces in the Afdon area east of Nahariya with a missile salvo. It also attacked, with a large salvo missile, a gathering of Israeli forces in the Rosh Pina settlement.

Asked whether the U.S. had spoken to Israel about keeping Beirut airport open, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told a press briefing: "We've made it clear to Israel that we don't want to see civilian infrastructure targeted. We do not, of course, want to see civilian sites targeted. The airport plays a crucial role in helping to evacuate American citizens from Lebanon, as well as citizens of other countries who wish to be able to leave."

The United States organized a flight from Beirut to Istanbul today to allow Americans to leave Lebanon, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Miller told a press briefing that around 7,000 U.S. citizens in Lebanon had registered with the U.S. government to receive information about leaving the country, although not all of those are looking for assistance to leave. Today's flight had a capacity of about 300 and carried around 100 Americans and their family members, Miller said, adding Washington had been working with airlines since Saturday to make seats available to Americans on commercial flights.

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian said Iran is "not seeking war" but warned of "a stronger response" if Israel retaliates to Tehran's missile attack on Israel the previous day. Speaking at a press conference in Qatar, Pezeshkian stated, "If Israel wants to retaliate, we will have a stronger response," while emphasizing that "it is Israel that is pushing us to react."

⚡ Israel's security cabinet has decided to respond "harshly" to yesterday's Iranian attack on Israel, according to the Israel Broadcasting Authority, reported by Al Jazeera.

🛑 Key statements from Hadi Hashem, acting head of the Lebanese Foreign Affairs Ministry, before the U.N. Security Council:

Hashem reminded the council that "Lebanon accepted the Franco-American cease-fire initiative [for a 21-day truce], which Israel initially agreed to but later rejected."

He added, "We are committed to implementing all points of the statement, including an immediate cease-fire, to begin reviewing the full implementation of Resolution 1701. We welcome this call and are ready to implement it immediately. After a cease-fire, we are prepared to deploy the Lebanese army south of the Litani River to fully carry out its duties in coordination with UNIFIL."

Hashem concluded his speech by stating: "Our history with Israel has been marked by numerous invasions. In 1978, 1982, and 2006, all these invasions and occupations, which caused widespread destruction and the deaths of thousands of civilians, ended in Israel's defeat and withdrawal. Today's invasion will result in the same outcome — a new defeat to add to Israel's record with Lebanon. Our citizens in the South are deeply rooted in their land. The olive tree you burned with white phosphorus will grow back, bloom, and bear fruit again."

At least 240 rockets were fired from Lebanon toward Israel so far today, reported the Times of Israel.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met Mohsen Qomi, Head of the Office of International Relations of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Ain al-Tineh.

They discussed developments in Lebanon and the region in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon and Gaza. The acting head of the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon, Toufik Samadi, and President Berri's political advisor, MP Ali Hassan Khalil, also attended the meeting.

The United Nations is preparing to launch a second polio vaccination campaign for nearly 640,000 children in Gaza in mid-October, said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. He added that vitamin supplements would also be distributed during the vaccination campaign.

The caretaker Health Minister, Firas Abiad, will receive a shipment of medical aid from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at Beirut international airport tomorrow at 7:30 am.

Hezbollah announced three new attacks — totaling 25 attacks so far today:

- At 5:50 p.m. its fighters targeted "a group of enemy [Israeli] forces in the settlement of Ya'ara [facing Lebanon's Alma al-Shaab] with a large rocket salvo"

- At 6:20 p.m. its fighters attacked Israeli forces moving east of the town of Maroun al-Ras with "a barrage of machine gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades." The statement adds that clashes are still ongoing. 

- At 6:50 pm on Wednesday, it targeted Israeli forces "while they were moving inside the settlement of Shtula [facing Lebanon's Aita al-Shaab] with rocket weapons and hit them directly."

U.S. President Joe Biden said he would not support attacking Iran's nuclear sites following strikes against Israel. He also told the press that new sanctions would be imposed on Iran and that he would soon be meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines to avoid flying over Iran. This "conflict zone information bulletin," issued on Wednesday, is valid until Oct. 31, the same deadline as a similar bulletin issued on Saturday regarding Israeli and Lebanese airspace. It applies to "all levels" of flight, both low and high altitudes.

EASA stressed that "given the Iranian attack on Israel and the announced Israeli retaliation, airspace presents high risks that airlines must consider." The agency added it will "continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any changes in the risks for EU aircraft operators as the threat evolves."

⚡Hamas' armed wing claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 7 people in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

Berlin announced on Wednesday that it was deploying a new military aircraft to Lebanon to evacuate 130 "particularly vulnerable" German nationals, just two days after a similar repatriation operation.

"An Airbus A330 MRTT from the MMU multinational air transport unit has flown to Beirut to assist 130 particularly vulnerable Germans in leaving Lebanon," said the foreign and defense ministries in a joint statement.

For more about measures taken by different embassies to evacuate their nationals, press here.👈

The total number of displaced people fleeing Israeli bombardment in Lebanon is around 1,200,000, according to a report by the coordinator of the governmental emergency committee, caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassine.

He added that most of the displaced had relocated to homes they owned in other areas, or are currently staying with family, in hotels, or in rented houses. Some have traveled abroad, while others fled to Syria via the border.

Between September 23 and 30, General Security recorded the passage of 234,023 Syrians and 76,269 Lebanese into Syrian territory, according to the report.

Israel's army said today that Iran had fired about 200 missiles on Israel the previous day, updating an earlier figure of 180 reported by the military.

"Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at the state of Israel yesterday," said the army's chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, said in a statement. Iranian state TV had earlier said 200 missiles were fired at Israel.

Here are the latest updates on Israeli attacks in South Lebanon: 

- An Israeli airstrike targeted the Litani River between the towns of Zawtar and Deir Mimas, in the Marjayoun district.

- An Israeli airstrike targeted Mayfadoun and another targeted Nabatieh al-Fawqa, both in the Nabatieh district.

- Two airstrikes targeted the heights of Baslia-Jebaa in Iqlim Al-Tuffah, in the Nabatieh district.

The G7 countries believe "a diplomatic solution is still possible" in the Middle East and that "a region-wide conflict is in nobody's interest," according to a statement from the Italian presidency. During a phone meeting convened by Italy, which holds the G7 presidency, the leaders expressed "strong concern" over the escalating conflict and "strongly condemned" the Iranian attack on Israel yesterday.

The French Embassy in Iran advises French residents and visitors to leave the country as soon as air traffic reopens, reported Reuters.

Hezbollah announced three new attacks against Israeli soldiers and positions:

- They attacked Israeli soldiers “in the orchards of Matla with artillery and rocket weapons.”

- It detonated an explosive device, leading to "deaths and injuries" in an Israeli infantry force that attempted to infiltrate the town of Yaroun (Bint Jbeil) from the direction of the Salis Heights.

- At 5:00 a.m., its fighters in the air defense units fired a "surface-to-air missile at a hostile [Israeli] helicopter in the airspace of Beit Hillel settlement, forcing it to leave immediately." The statement adds, "No helicopters have appeared in the skies along the Lebanese border since"

*Hezbollah's operations today are described as the largest since October 8 — with 22 attacks announced so far against Israeli positions, troops and military vehicles. 

UN chief Antonio Guterres called Monday for an end to the "sickening cycle of escalation" in the Middle East, warning that the region is "over the cliff."

"It is high time to stop the sickening cycle of escalation after escalation that is leading the people of the Middle East straight over the cliff," the UN chief said.

"This deadly cycle of tit-for-tat violence must stop."

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Security Council's 15 member states — attended by representatives from Israel, Lebanon, and Iran — the U.N. Secretary-General also "strongly condemned the massive missile attack by Iran on Israel."

Israel declared Guterres "persona non grata" on its soil yesterday evening, accusing him of failing to explicitly condemn Tehran.

⚡ An Israeli strike killed two people in Damascus, reported the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Israeli air force continues its attacks on Lebanon, targeting Douris (Baalbeck) and Kfar Kila (Marjayoun), according to our correspondents.

⚡ Hezbollah announced its fighters have destroyed three Israeli Merkava tanks advancing towards the border village of Maroun al-Ras in southern Lebanon's Bint Beil district. 

Two Israeli airstrikes targeted an area close to the town’s mosque in Robb al-Thalateen in southern Lebanon's Marjayoun district.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the former head of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) and Druze leader Walid Joumblatt, arrived in Ain al-Tineh for a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri.

- Israeli airstrikes targeted Kounin in southern Lebanon's Bint Jbeil district. 

 Hezbollah announced two separate attacks — one on Israeli forces in the settlement of Abirim and another on Israeli forces between Misgav Am and Kfar Jalaadi — with rocket salvos.

Here are the latest updates from South Lebanon and Bekaa: 

- Paramedics in Taraya (Baalbeck) uncovered a body of a child from under the rubble of a destroyed building, killed in last week's Israeli strikes on the town.

- Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Shamstar (Baalbeck).

- Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., Israeli warplanes struck Shaqra, Maroun al-Ras, al-Jabain, all in the Bint Jbeil district.

- During the same time, Israeli drones targeted, Ainata and Bint Jbeil, both in the Bint Jbeil district, and Hasiba (Marjayoun).

- Israeli artillery shells hit Naqoura (Sour) and Maroun al-Ras (Bint Jbeil), also between 3 and 5 p.m.

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⚡ The Israeli army confirmed the deaths of at least seven more soldiers in fighting on the border with southern Lebanon, bringing the total to at least eight.

Slovakia is preparing the evacuation of its citizens and other EU nationals from Lebanon, and has also approved using a military plane to deliver humanitarian aid, the Slovak Foreign Ministry today.

It said Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Croatia and Poland have asked for cooperation in the evacuation of their citizens within the Slovak plan.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that a UK charter flight to evacuate British nationals had left Lebanon and that another was scheduled for tomorrow, according to Reuters.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, implored "resolutely to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East with potentially devastating consequences for civilians."

"It is vital that they use their voices and influence to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table to end this," he stated from Geneva.

"We appeal to reason. Peace must prevail."

In South Lebanon, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for another attack with guided missiles on Israeli soldiers positioned between Odaisseh (Marjayoun) and Misgav Am in northern Israel. 

One rescue worker was killed and another wounded in an Israeli airstrike targeting an ambulance belonging to the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee in the southern Lebanese town of Ainata (Bint Jbeil).

Britain announced that two of its fighter jets and an air-to-air refueling tanker were involved yesterday in efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East conflict, although the jets did not engage any targets.

"Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager air-to-air refueling tanker played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, demonstrating the UK's unwavering commitment to Israel's security," Britain's Ministry of Defense said on X.

"Due to the nature of this attack, they did not engage any targets, but they played an important part in wider deterrence and efforts to prevent further escalation."

Yesterday, Iran fired a salvo of nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation to Israel's assassination of Hamas' leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard commander Abbas Nilforushan in Beirut's southern suburbs. Israel vowed a "painful response" against its enemy.

Here are the latest updates from Bekaa:

- Four consecutive Israeli airstrikes targeted Jorod Harbata, Halbata, and Zboud.

- Two strikes hit Wadi Faara in Hermel, followed by an intense wave of strikes from Tamnine to Hermel in northern Bekaa — while additional strikes targeted Tamnine, Taraya, and Bednayel.

- A third wave of strikes hit al-Shawagir and Hosh al-Sayyed Ali (targeted multiple times) in Hermel, along with Karak, Nabi Ayla, Halbata, Hazrata, Boudai, Shaath, Harat al-Fikani, Kfardan, Ali al-Nahri, Tamnin al-Tahta, Hermel, Sar'een, and al-Farzal.

Here are the latest updates from South Lebanon:

- Israeli warplanes targeted the town of Khiam (Marjayoun), our correspondent reported.

- Responding to reports that one of the Civil Defense centers in Aitaroun had been targeted, the General Directorate of Civil Defense clarified in a statement that it had no center in this locality. Earlier, Israel struck a clinic belonging to the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee in Aitaroun and struck again after Civil Defense members were dispatched to the place, killing six paramedics.

According to the pan-Arab al-Hadath channel and the local al-Jadeed channel, the Israeli army is using helicopters to facilitate the evacuation of its killed and wounded from an area near Odaisseh (Marjayoun) in southern Lebanon.

Videos, apparently filmed by Hezbollah fighters, showing this scene are broadcast on al-Jadeed.

Earlier today, direct clashes between Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli army occurred in the area, as the Israeli army continued its ground offensive in Lebanon.

Caretaker Justice Minister Henri Khoury and the Supreme Council of the Judiciary have urged judges and court staff to coordinate with the appellate courts in each province to assess the safety of traveling to their workplaces, including for judicial assistants.

The measure aims to ensure the continuity of court operations while safeguarding the well-being of employees and the public. Judges are also advised to consider current safety conditions when scheduling trials, the statement concluded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that he was in a meeting at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, reported Reuters.

🛑 Israeli airstrikes killed six paramedics and injured others in two strikes on a clinic affiliated with the Islamic Health Authority in the town of Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil) this afternoon.

In the clinic, injured patients and medical staff were present, Mohammad Karaki, media director for the Civil Defense in the Islamic Health Authority, told L’Orient Today. The airstrike destroyed the clinic, trapping those inside under the rubble. When civil defense teams arrived to assist, Israeli planes launched a second strike, causing additional casualties.

A number of other paramedics and patients are still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue, Karaki said.

Explosions near the Israeli embassy on the outskirts of Copenhagen last night were likely caused by two hand grenades, the Danish police announced today.

"The police believe the explosions at the Israeli embassy were caused by two hand grenades," said Jens Jesperson, a Copenhagen police official, during a press conference. He added that three Swedes had been arrested as part of the investigation.

The Israeli army alleged to have targeted "150" infrastructures" belonging to Hezbollah in airstrikes, including Hezbollah's headquarters, weapons storage facilities and rocket launchers — according to a message published on X. It also claims to have eliminated "terrorists" and dismantled "terrorist infrastructures" using precision-guided munitions and short-range engagements. The message is accompanied by a photo showing a rocket launcher, ammunition and equipment that the army claims to have destroyed.

The German government today urged its nationals to leave Iran, in the backdrop of Israeli retaliatory threats to Tehran's major attack yesterday.  

In an updated advisory, the Foreign Office stated: "German nationals are asked to leave Iran" and warned against any travel to the country."

Over the last 24 hours, Israel killed 51 people in Gaza amid Israeli air and ground assaults, Al-Jazeera reported.

Overnight, Israeli airstrikes targeted Gaza City, hitting the Muscat School and Al-Amal Orphanage, killing at least nine displaced people.

In southern Gaza, Israeli airstrikes and the arrival of tanks in three neighborhoods of Khan Younis resulted in at least 32 killed and dozens of injuries, according to the European Hospital, as reported by Al-Jazeera. Hospital records show that seven women and 12 children, including a 22-month-old, were among the casualties.

Hezbollah stated that at 2:00 p.m. “while an Israeli enemy force was attempting to encircle the town of Yaroun [Bint Jbeil district] from the forest,” the fighters of Hezbollah “surprised them by detonating a special explosive device, resulting in casualties among all members of the force.”

The Amal Movement announced the death of a rescuer from the Islamic Mission Scouts, which is affiliated with it: Abbas Hamadi was killed while "performing his humanitarian and national duty to defend Lebanon," according to the statement.

Hezbollah announced that it launched an air attack at 1 p.m. using a "squadron of precision drones to target the [Israeli] artillery position at Naveh Ze'ev [in northern Israel], successfully hitting their targets with precision."

The Lebanese army announced that one of its soldiers was injured after an Israeli drone strike targeted one of its patrols on the road between Marjayoun and Hasbaya. The patrol was clearing the road near Kawkaba when it was struck, according to the army statement.

The road that the army was attempting to clear "to allow the passage of citizens" had been filled with debris following earlier strikes, according to information from our correspondent in the South.

The Israeli army announced the name of one of its soldiers killed "in combat in Lebanon," Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, aged 22. This is the first official communication from Israel regarding the ongoing battles with Hezbollah since this morning.

Since 1 p.m., Israeli airstrikes have targeted the following areas in southern Lebanon: Khiam, Marjayoun, an area between Douweir and Harouf, Deir Antar, Kfar Hammam, the outskirts of the Litani near Khardal, east of Kfar Roummane. Artillery shelling also hit Taybeh and Deir Sirian.

For its part, Hezbollah announced a new strike using a "significant salvo of rockets" against the Ami'ad base, north of the Sea of Galilee, about 20 kilometers from the border.

An airstrike on Jenta, near Baalbek, killed at least five people, according to information obtained from local sources by our correspondent.

According to rescuers, four of their colleagues working for the Islamic Health Committee, affiliated with Hezbollah, were killed in an airstrike on their center in Aitaroun.

Others remain under the rubble.

Here’s an update on the security situation:

*Israeli phosphorus bombing targeted the forests of Labbouneh, south of Naqoura (Sour district), local residents reported.

*Three people were killed in a strike on the town of Arab Salim (Nabatieh district):

Youssed Moussa, his wife Fadia Haidar, and their granddaughter, the child Alaa Hammoud.

*Israel targeted Khiam and Kfar Hammam (both located in the Marjayoun district), local residents reported.

*Civilian Rima al-Samra was killed after succumbing to injuries sustained during an Israeli airstrike on the old neighborhood of Sour (Sour district), bringing the total number of people killed to 10.

*A Lebanese Army soldier was injured as a result of an Israeli drone targeting a force that was attempting to clear the road between Ibl al-Saqi and Hasbaya, which had been blocked by the airstrikes.

Hezbollah said it engaged “in clashes with Israeli enemy soldiers who infiltrated the town of Maroun al-Ras (Bint Jbeil district) from the eastern side. “Several enemy soldiers have been injured, and the clashes are ongoing,” the party concluded.

Hezbollah said it targeted a gathering of Israeli forces in the northern Israeli town of Adamit with a rocket barrage at 11:30 a.m.

The Lebanese army announced that its patrols had crossed the Blue Line and entered Lebanese territory "for a distance of approximately 400 meters" at two points along the border, at Khirbet Yaroun and near the Odaisseh Gate.

These patrols withdrew "after a short time," according to the military. The two localities mentioned by the army are almost identical to those where Hezbollah announced it had engaged in "fighting" with Israeli soldiers since this morning. Hezbollah mentioned Odaisseh and Maroun al-Ras, a neighboring village to Yaroun.

This is the first time the Lebanese army has issued a statement of this kind since the Israeli army announced its mobilization along the border and its "ground operations."

The Amal Movement announced the deaths of two of its members, Mohammad Turkieh, born in 1989, and Kareem Darwish, born in 1978, both from Zawtar Gharbieh.

🔴 Hezbollah has announced fresh “fighting” against “infiltrating” Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, at Maroun al-Ras, a border locality in the Bint Jbeil district. According to the party, the fighting is continuing and has caused “casualties” among the Israeli ranks.

This is the second time since this morning, and since Israel's announcement of “targeted and limited incursions” into southern Lebanon, that Hezbollah has announced fighting with Israeli commandos.

So far, the Israeli army has not commented on these border battles with Hezbollah. 

The Kremlin said Wednesday that the situation in the Middle East was developing alarmingly and called on all parties to exercise restraint, according to Reuters.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia had contacts with all parties and condemned any action that causes civilian casualties.

Air raid sirens are sounding in several localities in Western Galilee, according to Israeli media.

The Egyptian government condemns the "dangerous" Israeli escalation in southern Lebanon and rejects any attempt to impose a new situation that would violate Lebanese sovereignty, according to a statement released Wednesday and reported by Reuters.

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, announced Wednesday a new death toll of 41,689 killed in the Palestinian territory since the start of the war with Israel nearly a year ago.

At least 51 people were killed in the last 24 hours, it said in a statement, adding that 96,625 people had been injured in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Israeli embassy in Stockholm was targeted by gunfire last night, which caused no injuries, and a criminal investigation has been opened, Swedish police said Wednesday. A detonation was heard on Tuesday around 6 p.m. (4 p.m. GMT) on a street near the embassy in central Stockholm, the police said.

"We have found evidence of shots fired at the Israeli embassy, but we do not want to disclose exactly what was discovered as the investigation is ongoing," Rebecca Landberg, press officer for Stockholm police, told AFP. Bullet impacts were observed on the building, police stated in a press release.

Greece will provide a C-130 military transport plane to Cyprus to help evacuate its nationals residing in Lebanon, according to the Greek defense minister.

"The Greek air force is providing Cyprus with a C-130 transport plane for the evacuation of Cypriot nationals from Lebanon," Greek Minister Nikos Dendias wrote on X last night.

Greece is responding to a request from Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas, Dendias added.

Any claims that Reuters reported that Israel’s ambassador to Cyprus was kidnapped along with two companions is false. Reuters did not report this.

One person was injured in the Israeli airstrike on Mashghara in West Bekaa, our correspondent in the area reported.

Two killed in an Israeli airstrike in Zawtar Sharqieh in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent in the south.

This morning, the Lebanese Civil Defense Service published a report on its actions since 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, reporting four killed in Jnah, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, and a large number of fires following the massive Israeli strikes overnight.

In this area, rescue workers removed the bodies of two people killed and six wounded following the strike on a building in the Gondoline area between Ghobeiri and Jnah. Also in Jnah, firefighters put out blazes in three apartments in a building targeted by Israeli aircraft. They evacuated the inhabitants, removed the bodies of two killed and rescued 33 injured.

Civil Defense also tackled fires resulting from strikes in the Hadath area, in a warehouse at the Gandour factory and in another location in Choueifat, as well as in apartments in the Kafaat and Rweiss/Jamous areas.

Container shipping company Maersk said on Wednesday it continued to serve its customers in Lebanon with two weekly callings in Beirut despite the deteriorating security situation in the country.

"While Maersk's business in the country is impacted, we currently remain in a position to serve our customers," a Maersk spokesperson said in an email.

The company said all staff in both Lebanon and Israel were safe and accounted for.

Caretaker Minister of Telecommunications, Johnny Corm, shared a video on the X one of the cellular transmission stations destroyed by Israel in the southern suburb of Beirut. He "strongly condemned this attack," emphasizing that his ministry is "working diligently to ensure the provision of service to citizens and to avoid communication paralysis."

Following the announcement of a new strike in Beirut's southern suburbs this morning, the official National News Agency (NNA) reports that it targeted an area in Hadath, near the al-Moujtaba complex, already hit during the night.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing a “salvo of rockets” against several villages in northern Haifa. According to the Israeli army, quoted in Haaretz, 10 rockets were fired towards “the suburbs of Haifa.”

The Israeli army wrote on its X account that “following yesterday's Iranian attack on Israel, the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, spoke with the Commander of CENTCOM (U.S. Central Command), General Michael Kurilla, about the current situation.”

The Israeli army and the U.S. armed forces “cooperated on defense matters several days before, during and after the Iranian attack,” continues the text, which refers to “their commitment to strengthening regional stability and coordination between the armies.”

Spain is planning to send two military aircraft to evacuate its nationals from Lebanon, according to its Defense Minister, quoted by the Europa Press agency and quoted by Reuters.

Hezbollah stated that it targeted an Israeli forces gathering in the Israeli town of Avivim, across from the Lebanese town of Maroun al-Ras (Bint Jbeil), with a large rocket salvo at 9:30 a.m.

Iran claimed not to have warned the United States before attacking Israel the previous day, and called on Washington “not to intervene” in support of its ally.

“Before the attack, there was no exchange of messages” with the American side, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state television, denying any "coordination." He added that Iran had communicated with the United States after the missile strikes.

A new Israeli strike has targeted Choueifat, south of Beirut, according to the official National News Agency (NNA). Residents reported hearing a bang and seeing smoke rising over the neighborhood.

Iran's attack on Israel risks “setting the whole Middle East ablaze,” declared German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, condemning “in the strongest possible terms” Tehran's launch of some 200 missiles on Israeli territory.

“Hezbollah and Iran must immediately cease their attacks on Israel,” he added in a statement the day after the attack.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for another strike against the Zar'it barracks, opposite the Lebanese village of Ramieh (Bint Jbeil), with “a salvo of Katyusha rockets”.

According to local residents, Israeli airstrikes have targeted multiple areas in southern Lebanon:

- In the Bint Jbeil district: The towns of Dibil and Froun

- In the Nabatieh district: Zawtar al-Gharbiya 

- In the Sour district: Airstrikes struck al-Housh, al-Ramadiya, Deir Qanoun and Ras al-Ain

- In the Marjayoun district: Markaba

The Israeli Army, through its Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee, has issued an "urgent" warning on X to the residents of the following villages and areas in the Sour district in southern Lebanon:

Al-Bayyadah, Bait al-Sayyad, Rashidieh, Maashouq, al-Bass, Tyr Dibba, Borghlieh, Qassimieh Camp, Nabi Qassem, Burj Rahal, Abassieh, Maarakeh, Ain Baal, Mahrouna, Baflay, Deir Kifa, Srifa, Aarzoun, Dardghaya, Dahr Bariyeh Jaber, Jabal al-Adass, Shouhour, Burj al-Shemali.

"Due to increased Hezbollah activities in your area, the Israeli army will be taking decisive military action. While these operations are not directed at civilians, for your safety, you are urged to evacuate your homes immediately and move north of the Awali River," Avichay wrote.

The Israeli army announced that regular infantry and armored units are joining the “ground operation” in Lebanon. According to the army, fighters from the 36th Division, including those from the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade and the Etzioni Brigade have joined the mobilization along the border.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry is urging its citizens to leave Lebanon and Israel immediately, according to Reuters.

New Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called Iran's attack on Israel Tuesday "unacceptable" after a discussion with U.S. President Joe Biden. "We strongly condemn it. At the same time, we wish to cooperate (with the United States) to de-escalate the situation and avoid a full-scale war," he said a day after being appointed as prime minister.

Hezbollah said it carried out a strike at 7:30 a.m. on an artillery platform in Kiryat Shmona (across from Houla, Marjayoun district).

Meanwhile, a regional council in northern Israel said 10 rockets hit Metula in the last few hours.

All flights in Iran will remain suspended until Thursday at 5 a.m. local time (12:30 p.m. GMT), the country's Civil Aviation Organization announced Wednesday, according to the Tasnim news agency, reported by Reuters. This follows Tehran's launch of hundreds of missiles toward Israel the day before.

Local residents told L'Orient Today that Israel targeted Ansar in the Nabatieh district at 3:35 a.m. No casualties have been reported.

Here's an update on the security situation:

*Three Israeli airstrikes targeted separate areas in Nabatieh this morning, our correspondent in the south reported.

*Paramedics reported that four people were killed by the Israeli attack on Mayfadoun in the Nabatieh district.

*An Israeli airstrike targeted Jibsheet in the Nabatieh district.

*An Israeli airstrike targeted Debel in the Bint Jbeil district, killing three people.

*Two Israeli airstrikes targeted the town of Sohmor in Western Bekaa this morning, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.

Danish police said they were investigating two explosions near the Israeli embassy in northern Copenhagen. "No one was injured, and we are conducting preliminary investigations at the scene," Copenhagen police said on the social network X, as reported by Reuters. "A possible link to the Israeli embassy, located in the area, is under investigation," they added.

The Israeli embassy was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Reuters.

Hezbollah and the Israeli army are exchanging heavy artillery fire along the Blue Line, particularly at the level of the Marjayoun district (in the eastern part of the border), according to successive statements published by the party and local sources from our correspondent.

Israeli artillery has specifically shelled the hills surrounding Odaisseh, Kfar Kila, Deir Mimas, Aaziyyeh, Tal Nahas, Burj al-Moulouk, and Khiam, with dozens of shells fired.

For its part, Hezbollah claimed a "missile and artillery" strike on "a significant infantry force" located near Misgav Am, across from Odaisseh. It also said it struck Shtoula, across from Aita al-Shaab (Bint Jbeil), at another point along the border. 

In a series of messages on X, the Israeli army said that its air force carried out "a series of targeted attacks in recent days, under the direction of intelligence services, against ammunition production sites and other terrorist infrastructure" in the southern suburbs of Beirut. It stated that these attacks "aimed to damage Hezbollah's capabilities" and that it "continues to strike forcefully to damage and destroy the military capabilities and infrastructure" of the group.

Hezbollah claimed a strike "with a salvo of missiles" on Israeli soldiers in Shomera, across from the Lebanese village of Marwahin (in the Bint Jbeil district).

This morning, Hezbollah announced in a press release that it had repelled an Israeli infantry patrol “attempting to infiltrate Odaisseh,” a village in southern Lebanon positioned on the border opposite the Israeli town of Misgav Am. The latter was announced as part of a “closed military zone” by Israel two days ago, ahead of its announcement of a ground invasion.

According to the party, its fighters “fought” with Israeli soldiers, “inflicting casualties and forcing them to withdraw.”

This is the first time since Israel announced its “targeted and limited ground operations” at the border that Hezbollah has reported such an attempted incursion.

According to local media, a wave of departures took place in Choueifate following evacuation notices.

Over the past two weeks, Israeli bombardments have thrown at least a million people onto the roads in Lebanon. A hundred thousand have also fled to Syria.

The overnight bombardments were preceded by calls from the Israeli army for residents of the targeted neighborhoods to evacuate “immediately.”

On Tuesday night, the Israeli army carried out at least 10 raids on the southern suburbs of Beirut and the south of the capital. The southern suburbs of Jamous, Rweiss and Hadath were targeted, as well as the town of Choueifate, which was hit at least four times. 

Good morning, thank you for joining us for today's live coverage of the Gaza and Lebanon wars.

Make sure to read your Morning Brief to catch up on yesterday's key events.