An Israeli airstrike on the Christian-majority town of Aitou in northern Lebanon on Monday killed at least 21 people and injured eight others, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The strike marks a rare attack on the northern region, which has seen less violence than Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Lebanon.
The airstrike hit a residential building in Aitou that had been rented to displaced families, according to Lebanese state media. The Lebanese National News Agency initially reported nine deaths, but the toll later rose as recovery teams identified more victims. DNA tests are underway to confirm the identities of those killed.
This is the first time in over a year of hostilities that Israel has targeted the Christian-majority Zgharta district. Most of Israel’s strikes in Lebanon have focused on Shia-majority regions where Hezbollah has a strong presence.
Lebanese media suggested that the airstrike may have been aimed at a Hezbollah figure or journalist connected to Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV, though this remains unconfirmed by Israeli officials. Israel has not publicly commented on the specific target of the attack.
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