Israeli Strikes Escalate, Threaten Heritage Sites

Recent Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have resulted in significant casualties, with at least 40 people killed near Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley and 30 more in Barja, according to Lebanon's health ministry and civil defense sources. The strikes targeted Hezbollah strongholds, including areas in Beirut and Baalbek, as part of Israel's ongoing conflict with the Iran-backed group that has intensified since September. The attacks also endangered the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins near Baalbek, raising concerns about damage to the heritage site. The Israeli military has issued evacuation warnings to civilians in some areas, but human rights groups criticize the effectiveness of these warnings. Amidst the violence, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the group is open to ceasefire negotiations only if Israel halts its aggression. This escalation comes as Israel's campaign against Hezbollah coincides with its operations in Gaza, leading to increased regional instability.