Israeli army destroyed around 12 percent of Lebanese border villages

Satellite imagery analysed by the Financial Times shows that Israeli attacks have damaged or destroyed over 12 percent of buildings along the Lebanese border in the past four weeks, equating to around 30 towns.

Israel has been involved in cross-border exchanges of fire with Hezbollah since the start of the war on Gaza in October 2023, however, attacks on Lebanon intensified in mid-September this year.

Some of the worst affected areas in recent weeks include Odaisseh, where 20 percent of buildings have been damaged, Markhaba, where 27 percent of buildings have been damaged and Mhaibib, where 69 percent of buildings have been damaged.

The analysis, based on data provided by Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek of Oregon State University, shows that Israel has targeted primarily Shia areas, however, the border is home to villages with majority Christian, Sunni and Druze populations also.

In Mhaibib, a line of buildings was destroyed in Israeli bombings, while at least one mosque in the Dheyra was also blown up.

The report adds that among the buildings destroyed in the ancient town of Odaisseh, is a home belonging to the renowned musician and conductor Lubnan Baalbaki. The home was built over a period of 25 years and was turned into a museum and cultural centre.

The building was filled with fine art and pottery, as well as around 2,000 books and manuscripts.

Video footage circulating of the Israeli strikes on social media shows lines of buildings bombed in simultaneous explosions.

According to The New Arab's Arabic language sister publication, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Israeli attacks on south Lebanon have become more violent in recent weeks, particularly in early October when Israel started ground incursions. 

On Thursday, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that Israeli forces launched attacks on Nabatieh and Khiyam in the south, as well as violent raids on the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing at least 45 people and wounding 110 in one day. 

Meanwhile, Hezbollah have reiterated that there will be no ceasefire negotiations while Lebanon remains under fire, and they will only accept what is in Lebanon's interest. 

Despite aid groups and international figures condemning the attacks, stating that the existence of Hezbollah is not enough to justify widespread destruction of civilian areas, Israel has continued its attacks far beyond the border.

Over 1 million people have been forcibly displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, with Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant vowing to continue striking the country "as long as it’s needed".

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 43,314 Palestinians and wounded over 102,019 since 7 October 2023. Israel has also killed 2,968 people in Lebanon and wounded over 13,319 others in the same time frame.