The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified with airstrikes that have killed 19 people, including eight women, in and around Baalbek in eastern Lebanon. This tragedy follows Israel’s evacuation orders for the entire city and two nearby towns, leading tens of thousands of residents to flee. The strikes reportedly targeted Hezbollah's command centers and infrastructure in Baalbek and Nabatiyeh, along with fuel depots in the Bekaa Valley, although the Lebanese National News Agency reported damage to civilian areas.

Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem, recently took office following the death of Hassan Nasrallah and pledged to continue the group’s agenda against Israel. Qassem’s ascension marks a tense period, with reports suggesting he may have fled to Iran, a known Hezbollah ally. Amid these developments, UNESCO has urged the protection of Baalbek’s historical Roman temple complex, warning against the damage to cultural heritage sites. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has called for caution to prevent civilian harm and avoid destruction of infrastructure and cultural landmarks.

U.S. envoys are engaging diplomatically with Israel to seek an end to the conflict, and there are reports of a potential 60-day ceasefire proposal. The violence is part of a larger conflict ignited after Hezbollah launched cross-border attacks in solidarity with Hamas following the October 2023 assault on Israel. So far, over 2,800 people have died in Lebanon, with approximately 1.2 million displaced, and Israel has also suffered civilian losses.
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