At least eight people, including two children, were killed on Wednesday after three Israeli drone strikes targeted vehicles on a major highway in Jiyeh. The attacks occurred in an area approximately 20 kilometers south of Beirut, leaving vehicles severely damaged and charred, according to reports from Lebanon’s Ministry of Health and the National News Agency.
Forced Displacement and Military Warnings
On Wednesday morning, the Israeli military issued forced displacement orders for residents of six southern Lebanese villages: Meiss el-Jabal, Yanouh, Burj Shemali, Hula, Debl, and Aabbasiyyeh. The military warned that it would soon act “forcefully” against these areas.
Residents were instructed to move at least 1,000 meters away to “open areas.” The military stated that anyone remaining in these zones “endangers their life.”
Collapse of Healthcare Infrastructure
The displacement orders have placed critical medical services at risk. In the district of Tyre, where at least 100,000 people still reside, only three hospitals remain operational, and one of these is located within a displacement zone.
Medical officials report that the long journey to reach the few remaining hospitals means some injured individuals do not survive. This follows a pattern of attacks on medical infrastructure; the Ministry of Health reported more than 140 Israeli attacks on ambulances and medical facilities.
Rising Casualty Toll
The conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians and first responders. On Tuesday, 13 people were killed in attacks on southern towns, including two Lebanese Civil Defence paramedics, Ahmad Noura and Hussein Jaber.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, 108 emergency medical services and healthcare workers have been killed during the war. Since the Israeli invasion and bombardment began on March 2, the total death toll has exceeded 2,800, with at least 380 of those deaths occurring during the truce.
Diplomatic Outlook
Amid the escalating violence, Lebanon and Israel are expected to hold a new round of direct negotiations in Washington on Thursday, brokered by the United States.
However, Hezbollah—which has been launching attacks on northern Israel and Israeli troops occupying sections of southern Lebanon—has stated that it opposes these U.S.-led negotiations. The outcome of these talks may depend on whether a ceasefire can be reached as the conflict continues to escalate on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were killed in the Jiyeh drone strikes?
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that at least eight people, including two children, were killed.
Which villages were targeted by forced displacement orders on Wednesday?
The orders were issued for Meiss el-Jabal, Yanouh, Burj Shemali, Hula, Debl, and Aabbasiyyeh.
What is the total death toll since the invasion began on March 2?
The total death toll is reported to be more than 2,800 people.
How might the current escalation in southern Lebanon influence the upcoming negotiations in Washington?
Keep reading