Satellite Imagery Unveils Scale of Israeli Bombing in Lebanon

New satellite images reveal the extensive impact of recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, showing widespread destruction and intensifying regional tensions. Explore the details and implications of the bombing.

According to satellite-based radar data analyzed by the BBC, Israel’s intensified bombing campaign in Lebanon has resulted in more damage to buildings within two weeks than was caused during a year of cross-border conflict with Hezbollah.

According to data, over 3,600 buildings in Lebanon seem to have been damaged or destroyed between October 2 and 14, 2024. This accounts for approximately 54% of the overall estimated damage since cross-border hostilities began between Israel and Hezbollah slightly more than a year ago.

Corey Scher from City University of New York and Jamon Van Den Hoek from Oregon State University collected the damage data. They analyzed radar satellite images to identify abrupt changes in building height or structure, signaling potential damage.

Wim Zwijnenburg, an environmental expert with the Pax for Peace organization, analyzed satellite-based radar data and cautioned about the consequences of Israel’s bombing.

“The Israeli military campaign appears to be establishing a ‘dead zone’ in southern Lebanon, aiming to drive out the population and hinder Hezbollah’s ability to re-establish positions, but it comes at a significant cost to civilians,” he stated.

Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah erupted after the Lebanese militant group began launching rockets into northern Israel on October 8, 2023. This action was in support of Palestinians following Hamas’s deadly attack on southern Israel a day earlier.

On September 30, Israel escalated the situation significantly by invading southern Lebanon, aiming to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons and infrastructure through what it described as “limited, localized, targeted raids.”

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Satellite images, radar data, and military records reveal that recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon have primarily targeted the southern border region. The bombardment has also extended to central and northern areas, such as the Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The Israeli army reported that it struck numerous Hezbollah targets throughout Lebanon, including locations in the capital city, Beirut.

The majority of strikes on Beirut have focused on Dahieh, a southern suburb inhabited by thousands of civilians. The Israeli military asserts that the area houses Hezbollah’s command headquarters.

On September 27, Israeli airstrikes targeting buildings in the area resulted in the death of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Analysis by the BBC of data from the US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (Acled) reveals that between 1 September and 11 October 2024, there have been at least 2,700 attacks carried out by the Israeli military on Lebanese territories. While these operations mainly target southern border regions, they also extend to northern and central areas. Additionally, each attack may involve multiple bombings.

According to Acled, Hezbollah has launched approximately 540 attacks against Israel during the same period. These attacks often involve a combination of rockets, missiles, and drones.