TEL AVIV: Hezbollah fired approximately 135 projectiles into Israeli territory on Monday, as the country marked the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack. Meanwhile, Israel launched extensive strikes across southern Lebanon.
“As of 17:00 (14:00 GMT Monday), approximately 135 projectiles fired by the Hezbollah crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory,” the military said in a statement. Air raid sirens sounded frequently across northern Israel in response to the incoming fire.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese group claimed it targeted Israeli troops stationed in two border villages in southern Lebanon.
In a statement, Hezbollah reported that its fighters executed a “rocket salvo” against a gathering of Israeli forces in Maroun al-Ras, a flashpoint area that has seen multiple clashes in recent days. They also stated they launched a barrage of rockets and artillery shells at Israeli troops in the nearby village of Blida.
Hezbollah also claimed a series of attacks on northern Israel, including near the city of Haifa “with a large rocket salvo”, and on Israeli military positions.
Israel’s military conducted extensive strikes across southern Lebanon on Monday. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the deployment of a third division to enhance its presence in the region.
“The IDF is currently conducting strikes in the area of Dahiyeh,” an Israeli military spokesperson stated, referring to a southern Beirut suburb. Additionally, airstrikes targeted over 30 towns and villages in the Tyre district, with reports of strikes also near Beirut’s only airport.
“The IAF (air force) is currently conducting extensive strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon,” the army said in a statement.
A Lebanese security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that one strike targeted an area near the country’s only airport in the capital.
Lebanon’s National News Agency had earlier reported that the strikes hit locations in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon.
On October 7 Hamas attack anniversary, protests erupted worldwide against Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets in cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, condemning what many have termed as “genocide” in Gaza and Lebanon. The Protestors called for an immediate end to the ongoing Israeli bombardments in Gaza and Lebanon.
In Sweden, climate activist Greta Thunberg joined thousands of protestors in Stockholm, denouncing the Israeli military’s actions. “Remaining silent during a genocide is to be complicit,” Thunberg said, urging boycotts of Israeli companies and sanctions against the country.
Similar protests have spread across major cities, including New York, Paris, Karachi, and New Delhi. In Pakistan, large demonstrations were held in Karachi on Sunday, while Indian-occupied Kashmir witnessed widespread protests in solidarity with Palestinians and Lebanese civilians under attack.
Protesters at universities across the UK and Australia also gathered to express their support for Palestine and opposition to Israeli offensives.
Meanwhile, humanitarian groups have raised concerns over the growing civilian toll in Gaza and Lebanon. Local health authorities in Gaza have reported over 41,825 Palestinian casualties since Israel launched its military campaign in October 2023.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday warned that Israeli airstrikes near the main Lebanon-Syria border crossing are putting civilians in danger, obstructing humanitarian operations, and preventing people from fleeing the conflict.
The Israeli military said on Friday that it had targeted Hezbollah positions near the Masnaa border crossing in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. The area has been a critical point for civilians trying to escape the escalating violence, as well as a route for humanitarian aid.
Syrian transport ministry official Sleiman Khalil said on Monday that while the road remained “completely cut off to vehicle traffic,” people could still cross on foot.
HRW warned that the Israeli strikes were “impeding civilians trying to flee and disrupting humanitarian operations,” leading to significant civilian risks. The organization also said that even if the crossing is being used for military purposes, “an Israeli attack on a legitimate military target may still be unlawful if it causes disproportionate harm to civilians.”
HRW urged both Israel and Hezbollah to ensure civilian safety, noting that the Lebanese group also bears responsibility for failing to protect civilians if it uses civilian areas for military purposes.
The situation remains dire, with Red Crescent volunteers assisting civilians in crossing the border on foot as the road remains inaccessible.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 370,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria since late September, including Syrian nationals, Palestinians, Sudanese, and other nationalities.
Filippo Grandi, head of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), said Monday that while the flow of refugees has slowed, hundreds of people are still crossing daily. He said that Red Crescent workers are helping people transport goods across the border as vehicle traffic remains blocked.
Lama Fakih, HRW’s Middle East director, stressed the danger posed by the Israeli strikes. “By making a border crossing inaccessible at a time when hundreds of thousands are fleeing and in need of aid, the Israeli military is threatening considerable civilian harm,” she stated.
Even if the crossing is used for military purposes, Israel must weigh the civilian risks against its military objectives, she added.
