Israeli strike kills 10 firefighters in south Lebanon, authorities say

**Interviewer:** Could you update us on the current situation in southern Lebanon, especially concerning the recent Israeli airstrikes?

**Interviewee:** Of course. The Israeli military has significantly escalated its airstrikes in southern Lebanon, particularly focusing on towns and villages near Tyre. Tragically, on Sunday night, at least ten firefighters lost their lives when an Israeli airstrike hit their location in Baraachit. According to the Lebanese health ministry, these firefighters were in the midst of preparing for rescue efforts when the attack occurred.

**Interviewer:** How did the Israeli military justify this incident?

**Interviewee:** The Israeli military described the airstrike as “precise,” claiming it targeted several Hezbollah operatives who they alleged were using the fire station as a military post during active combat. Additionally, they reported that on Monday afternoon alone, they conducted airstrikes against 120 Hezbollah targets in the southern region within the span of just one hour.

**Interviewer:** What impact have these strikes had on civilian areas?

**Interviewee:** Reports indicate that Israeli aircraft targeted more than 30 towns and villages near Tyre. Some of these strikes occurred near the Israeli border, and at least one hit a densely populated area within the city itself. The IDF identified that their attacks focused on units from Hezbollah’s Southern Front, including elite forces like the Radwan Force and their Intelligence Directorate.

**Interviewer:** It seems the conflict is escalating. Could you elaborate on that?

**Interviewee:** Definitely. The situation appears to be deteriorating, with the IDF expanding its operations. They have now involved a third division in the ground offensive launched six days ago that aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure near the border. Furthermore, the IDF has ordered the evacuation of an additional twenty communities in the south, including Naqoura, which hosts UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

**Interviewer:** What are the broader ramifications of these recent hostilities?

**Interviewee:** The aftermath has been devastating. Lebanese authorities report that three weeks of continuous Israeli attacks have resulted in over 1,400 deaths, including at least 22 on Sunday alone, and have displaced approximately 1.2 million people. Despite substantial losses, including the death of their leader, Hezbollah remains resolute. They assert confidence in their ability to resist Israeli advances, launching rockets targeting northern Israeli cities like Haifa and Tiberias.

**Interviewer:** How has the Israeli government responded to these escalating tensions?

**Interviewee:** The Israeli government, which categorizes Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, is committed to ensuring that areas near the Lebanese border are safe for displaced residents to return home after a year marked by cross-border conflicts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed that the ongoing counterattacks are essential for securing Israel’s future and safety, particularly following Hezbollah’s missile strikes that began on October 8, 2023, in response to the Hamas attack on southern Israel the day before.