Israel strikes Lebanon for 4th consecutive day, 90,000 displaced from homes

Israeli warplanes continued their deadly air strikes across Lebanon for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a clear rejection of a ceasefire proposal advanced by the United States and France.

The Israeli military stated that its drones targeted rocket launchers in southern Lebanon responsible for attacks on Israeli targets. Fighter jets struck "dozens" of Hezbollah targets, including militant cells, launchers and weapons storage facilities in various areas of southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 60 people were killed and 81 others injured in Israeli air strikes on Thursday across various regions in Lebanon.

Israel conducted 115 attacks on Thursday, the ministry noted, adding that the large-scale air strikes, which began on Monday and have previously focused on the south and east of Lebanon, have now spread to include regions in the Mount Lebanon Governorate.

According to the Israeli military, Hezbollah forces launched approximately 150 rockets toward northern Israel. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service stated that no casualties resulted from the rocket attacks.

Hezbollah confirmed the rocket attacks, stating that the bombings and raids were "in defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the barbaric Israeli invasion of cities, villages, and civilians."

During a situational assessment, Israel's military chief, Hertzi Halevi, rejected the U.S.-led ceasefire call at a UN Security Council emergency meeting. "We must continue to attack Hezbollah," Halevi said. "We have waited for this opportunity for years."

Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating that Israel "will continue to strike Hezbollah with full force" until all objectives are achieved, including the safe return of northern residents to their homes.

Also on Thursday, Israel's Defense Ministry announced a $8.7-billion aid package from the U.S. to support Israel's military efforts. The package includes $3.5 billion for "urgent wartime procurement," which has already been transferred to Israel, and an additional $5.2 billion earmarked for air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and an advanced laser defense system.

Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire across the border since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets in solidarity with Hamas' deadly attack on communities in southern Israel the previous day.

As of Thursday, the total death toll from the Israel-Hezbollah clashes since last October has reached 1,540, with injuries totaling 5,410, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Since Monday, Israel has conducted extensive air strikes across Lebanon, resulting in over 650 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries. The Israeli military reported that it has targeted over 2,000 locations during this period. Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin noted on Wednesday that the bombardment has displaced more than 150,000 residents this week.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said this week's violence in Lebanon has forced more than 90,000 people to flee from their homes, with 70,000 cramming into 400 schools and other sites.

The OCHA said Lebanon's Ministry of Education had postponed the start of the school year until October 14, which affects students nationwide.

(With input from Xinhua)