FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The Israeli army on Thursday destroyed the last crossing over the Litani River, which divides Lebanon in two, according to Lebanese state media, cutting off tens of thousands of residents in the south from essential aid links.
Israeli forces launched "two consecutive airstrikes" on the Qasmiyeh bridge that connects the coastal city of Sidon with the southern city of Tyre, "completely destroying it," the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported.
"Prior to these airstrikes, a drone had also carried out two separate attacks near the same bridge ," the NNA said. At least one person was killed and two others were wounded in the attack, according to the Lebanese army.
Israel has stepped up deadly attacks in southern Lebanon in recent days, even as regional officials call for a direct call between Israeli and Lebanese leaders to end the violence. Just on Wednesday, Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir told troops to turn neighborhoods south of the Litani River into a no-go zone for Hezbollah operatives.
Human rights defenders have repeatedly warned that Israeli attacks on vital infrastructure for civilians trying to access medical care, food and aid in Lebanon may constitute war crimes.
Between March 12 and April 8, Israeli forces “systematically destroyed or severely damaged all major bridges” connecting areas south of the Litani River to the rest of Lebanon, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), making the Qasmiyeh Bridge “the only major crossing remaining operational” as of April 10.
"These attacks have significantly restricted the ability of civilians to move safely and of state institutions, humanitarian organizations, hospitals, and health care facilities to provide assistance and medical care ," HRW added.
Lini një Përgjigje