Since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on October 8, the conflict has resulted in substantial loss of life and widespread displacement within Lebanon. Official reports confirm that at least 1,640 individuals have died as a result of the ongoing military actions, including 104 children and 194 women. The violence escalated last week with Israeli air strikes continuing to target regions across Lebanon, including a recent attack in the Bekaa Valley that killed 11 people.
The cumulative death toll has surpassed 700 since the beginning of Israel’s offensive last Monday, with the casualties including at least 50 children, while over 5,000 individuals have been injured. Lebanon’s caretaker Public Health Minister, Firas Abiad, released these figures, underscoring the grave humanitarian impact of the conflict.
In response to the crisis, Vodafone Qatar has announced that all calls and SMS services to Lebanon (country code +961) will be free of charge until October 3. This initiative is part of a broader effort to help families and friends maintain contact amid the chaos.
The situation has further intensified with the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike targeting residential areas in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh in Beirut. This attack also claimed the life of Abbas Nilforoushan, a high-ranking official from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Hezbollah confirmed the death of another senior figure, Nabil Kaouk, in subsequent statements.
As the conflict rages on, the Lebanese government is grappling with a massive displacement crisis. Nasser Yassin, the minister in charge of Lebanon’s crisis response, informed Reuters that around one million people have been forced to flee their homes. The vast majority have been displaced since the conflict intensified on Friday, with many unable to return due to ongoing hostilities.
Lebanon has declared three days of national mourning to honor those lost in the conflict, reflecting the deep sorrow and grave challenges facing the nation.
