The Israeli military announced that four of its soldiers died in combat in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. In a statement, the army provided the names of the soldiers, confirming that they were killed during ongoing clashes with Hezbollah fighters.
The Israeli army also reported that six additional soldiers were seriously injured and evacuated from southern Lebanon. The injuries occurred during fierce fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.
Hezbollah Claims Tank Attack
Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, said it destroyed an Israeli tank in Aita al-Shaab, a town in southern Lebanon. According to Hezbollah, the attack involved a guided missile, which caused the tank to catch fire. The group claimed that the attack resulted in multiple Israeli casualties, although exact numbers were not confirmed.
Earlier in the day, Hezbollah reported that its fighters were engaged in close-range combat with Israeli soldiers in the same area. They described intense clashes using assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades against Israeli army vehicles.
Hezbollah further claimed that its forces had killed more than 70 Israeli troops since the conflict in southern Lebanon began. In contrast, Israel reported losing about 20 soldiers inside Lebanon and 30 more in Hezbollah attacks along Israel’s northern border.
Putin Meets Abbas at BRICS Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. In their meeting, Putin called for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza. “We are strongly for a quick end to the bloodshed [in Gaza],” Putin said during the talks, which were broadcast on Russian television.
Russia has maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine. However, analysts suggest that Russia’s influence over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is limited. Unlike Western nations, Russia does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization and has welcomed its members to Moscow in the past. This stance contrasts with that of the United States and European Union, both of which have labeled Hamas as a terrorist group.
Gaza Rescue Teams Face Attacks
The Gaza Civil Defense agency reported that Israeli forces are targeting rescue teams in northern Gaza. Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for the agency, said first responders have been attacked multiple times while attempting to assist civilians. Some rescuers have been injured, and others remain trapped or left to die, according to Bassal.
He shared an image of a burned truck, claiming it was the only civil defense vehicle operating in northern Gaza. The truck, which belonged to the rescue team, was reportedly struck by an Israeli attack in Beit Lahiya, a town near Gaza’s northern border with Israel. Bassal emphasized that the threats from Israeli forces have made it impossible for rescue teams to continue their work in the area.
Due to the danger, civil defense teams have been forced to abandon operations in northern Gaza, particularly in Jabalia camp, where Israeli forces have warned of further attacks.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates