On Sunday, October 13, 2024, an Israeli airstrike hit the southern part of Lebanon, causing significant destruction and completely destroying a historic mosque in the village of Kfar Tibnit. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), the airstrike occurred around 3:45 am local time and targeted the old mosque in the center of the village.
The mosque, which was at least 100 years old, was a significant place for the community as families would gather in the square next to it on special occasions. The village mayor, Fuad Yassin, described the mosque’s importance to the local community.
This attack is part of the ongoing military campaign by Israel against Hezbollah, which has intensified in recent weeks. The conflict has resulted in a high death toll, with Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reporting that at least 1,645 individuals have lost their lives since September. The total death toll in the year-long conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli troops has reached 2,255.
The airstrikes have also affected UN peacekeepers. A third peacekeeper was wounded during the Israeli strikes, and two others were injured earlier in the week when Israeli fire hit a UNIFIL watchtower in Naqoura. International condemnation has followed, with countries like France, Italy, and Spain issuing statements against the strikes, and US President Joe Biden urging Israel to avoid targeting UNIFIL forces.
The conflict has displaced over 1.2 million people in Lebanon, with more than 2,100 people killed and over 10,000 injured since the fighting began. Israel has issued evacuation orders to residents of 23 southern Lebanese villages, citing that Hezbollah is using these areas to conceal weapons and stage attacks, although Hezbollah denies these allegations.
