The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on 21/9 that they killed a Hezbollah member in the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, but acknowledged that "a number of uninvolved civilians" were also killed in the strike.
"The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved persons and always seeks to minimize such harm as much as possible. The incident is under review," the IDF statement said.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fired two missiles at a motorcycle, believed to be carrying a Hezbollah member, traveling on a street in Bint Jbeil. However, the missiles also hit a Mercedes carrying an American family, killing a total of 5 people.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said 4 American citizens, including three children and their father, were among the victims. According to Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, the mother was also seriously injured in the Israeli strike.
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The alleged scene of the attack in the Lebanese town on 21/9. Photo: Times of Israel |
The alleged scene of the attack in the Lebanese town on 21/9. Photo: Times of Israel
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called the attack a "massacre" of civilians and a "threatening message" to Lebanese people returning to their homes in the south.
He urged the international community to condemn Israel "in the strongest terms for its continued violations of United Nations resolutions and international law."
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that "there can be no peace while children's blood is still being shed."
UNICEF Lebanon expressed "shock and outrage at the killing of three children from the same family in the attack in southern Lebanon."
"Attacks on children are unconscionable. No child should lose their life to conflict, and all acts of hostility must cease immediately to ensure the safety of all children," UNICEF said.
The US Department of State has not commented on the reports.
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Location of the town of Blint Jbeli. Graphics: CNN |
Location of the town of Blint Jbeli. Graphics: CNN
Israel has continued to attack targets in Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah in November 2024. The Lebanese army said Israel has violated the ceasefire 4,500 times and warned that these actions risk delaying the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The Lebanese government is seeking to disarm Hezbollah under considerable pressure from the US and due to concerns about Israeli strikes.
Pham Giang (According to AFP, CNN)
