Lebanese civilians suffer despite Israeli claims of targeting Hezbollah in airstrikes

​​​​​​​By Faruk Hanedar and Safiye Karabacak

BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanese civilians in the southern towns of Saida and Sarafand dispute Israel's claims about targeting Hezbollah positions, and assert that airstrikes are instead hitting residential areas and killing civilians.

In one of the deadliest attacks, an Israeli strike killed 15 people Tuesday, including women and children, when it struck a residential building in the Sarafand village, according to officials.

"The targeted building was in a residential area where civilians lived. This area was never used for military purposes," Sarafand Mayor Ali Khalife told Anadolu, noting approximately 18 airstrikes had hit the area recently, with eight civilians killed before the attack on Tuesday.

The building housed 21 people at the time of the strike, with 15 killed, according to Khalife. "Israel has committed a massacre against civilians, children, elderly, and women," he said, emphasizing the strikes violate international law.

- Those killed not linked to military activities

Witnesses reported extensive damage to civilian infrastructure in Saida. Abdullah, a shopkeeper, described shrapnel from the strikes damaging surrounding buildings, destroying television sets, solar panels and nearby water pipes.

"Among the dead were children and a doctor. These people had absolutely no connection to military activities," said Abdullah, countering Israeli statements about targeting militant positions.

Hassan, another resident of Saida, stressed the civilian nature of the targeted areas. "Israel shot innocent people. If they want to fight, they should fight at the border," he said. "Where are the countries that defend human rights? If they really defend human rights, they would not support a usurper (Israel).”

The rising violence has raised alarm about civilian casualties in Lebanon, with officials stating that most of the approximately 2,800 Lebanese killed in recent attacks were unarmed civilians.

The attacks have drawn criticism from officials, who said the international community has remained largely silent on civilian casualties.

Khalife voiced frustration at the lack of condemnation from international human rights organizations and what he described as global acquiescence to Israel's actions.

Israel launched a massive air campaign last month in Lebanon against what it claims are Hezbollah targets, marking an escalation in a year of cross-border warfare with the group since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip.

More than 2,800 people have been killed, and nearly 12,900 injured in Israeli attacks since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict with an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor