TEL AVIV, Israel. In a deadly escalation on Thursday, rockets launched from Lebanon into northern Israel claimed the lives of four foreign workers and three Israeli citizens, marking one of the most fatal cross-border incidents since Israel’s military actions in Lebanon began. Israeli medics reported that the attacks primarily targeted agricultural areas near the town of Metula, Israel’s northernmost town, and a Haifa suburb, resulting in significant casualties.
Israel responded with intensified airstrikes on suspected Hezbollah positions across Lebanon, where health authorities reported 24 deaths on the same day. U.S. diplomats are currently in the region, attempting to broker ceasefires in both Lebanon and Gaza in hopes of stabilizing tensions as the Biden administration approaches a key election period.
In northern Gaza, one of the last operational hospitals sustained extensive damage after an Israeli airstrike destroyed essential medical supplies and set off a fire that damaged the facility’s dialysis unit and surgery building, according to the World Health Organization. The hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, reported that four medical personnel were injured while trying to control the blaze. The Israeli military has not stated the hospital strike, though it had previously accused the facility of providing refuge to Hamas militants.
Back-to-Back Rocket Attacks Rock Israel’s Northern Border
The initial wave of rockets from Lebanon struck an agricultural area in Metula, killing four Thai nationals and an Israeli farmer. Later, another barrage of 25 projectiles hit an olive grove near Haifa, resulting in the deaths of a 30-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman, while two others were injured, according to Magen David Adom, Israel’s primary emergency medical organization.
Although Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for Thursday’s rocket fire, the Israeli military reported that approximately 90 projectiles were launched from Lebanon. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran, with Israel identifying Iran as its principal regional adversary.
Foreign Workers and Agricultural Regions at Risk
The attacks underscore the vulnerability of foreign workers stationed in high-risk border areas. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa confirmed that, in addition to the four Thais killed, another agricultural worker was injured in the incident. Sangiampongsa urged all parties to return to peaceful negotiations for the sake of civilian safety.
The Israeli advocacy group Hotline for Refugees and Migrants criticized local authorities for endangering foreign workers by allowing them to work along the volatile border without adequate protections. These agricultural zones are designated closed military areas, where access is heavily restricted.
Despite the escalating violence, local officials in northern Israel remain supportive of continued military operations in southern Lebanon. “If the Israeli government accedes to an agreement brought by (the Biden administration) … we will not have it because for us this is rehabilitating Hezbollah again on our borders,” stated Eitan Davidi, mayor of Margaliot, a town near the conflict zone.
As diplomatic efforts press on, the ongoing hostilities between Israel and neighboring territories continue to challenge regional stability and civilian safety.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
