Israeli Airstrike Kills Two Civilians in Southern Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes targeted a car traveling along the southern Lebanon coast on Monday, killing the two civilians inside. The strike happened near Naqoura.

One of the slain was identified as an employee of a cleaning company that contracts for the UNIFIL peacekeeping force. The man was driving at the time of the attack, and the passenger, also killed, was identified as his cousin, who was visiting his family in the area.

UNIFIL confirmed the incident, and was deeply critical of the Israeli attack, saying “attacks on civilians are a violation of international humanitarian law.” The organization added it deplores the numerous civilians injured or killed in recent strikes.

Israel has not commented on the killings and gave no indication as to why the car was targeted. Israel attacks southern Lebanon on a nearly daily basis, frequently attacking moving vehicles, irrespective of who is driving them.

Israel has attacked southern Lebanon throughout the fighting in the Gaza Strip that began last October. Israeli attacks have also been carried out throughout the region amid growing concern that the strikes will escalate into a full-scale Israeli invasion.

Hezbollah responded by firing rockets against northern Israel. The rocket attacks centered on Western Galilee, and the Israeli military says that there were no injuries from the estimated 30 rockets.