A 12-year-old Syrian girl died in south Lebanon on Saturday, shortly after her father succumbed to injuries sustained when an Israeli drone targeted them with three consecutive missiles. The incident, which led to the tragic deaths of both father and daughter, occurred near Al-Sabah Al-Jadida Secondary School at approximately 10:30am. The father and daughter were reportedly collecting supplies in the area when the drone strike took place, an attack that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Details of the Attack
The harrowing sequence of events began as the father and daughter were traveling on a motorcycle in the Al-Nabatieh region. An Israeli drone began to pursue them, initiating a relentless attack. The drone launched a first missile, which they reportedly survived, managing to escape the immediate impact. However, the pursuit continued, and the drone subsequently fired a second missile. This second strike proved fatal for the father, who was killed instantly or sustained injuries from which he could not recover.
In the immediate aftermath of the second strike, his daughter, Bassam Zaazaa, displayed remarkable resilience, managing to run approximately 100 meters away from the motorcycle, attempting to escape the danger. Tragically, the drone continued its assault, firing at her again. The third and final missile struck Bassam Zaazaa, inflicting severe injuries. She was subsequently rushed to Al-Nabatieh’s Nabih Berri Governmental University Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite undergoing an urgent operation upon arrival at the hospital, her injuries were too severe, and she later succumbed to them, dying at the hospital. The targeted attack on civilians in such a manner has intensified concerns about the conduct of military operations in the region.
Broader Context and Response
This incident was not isolated. On Saturday morning, an Israeli aircraft also struck a car near the Mohammed Saad High School between the villages of Burj Rahal and Al-Abbasiyeh, located in the Tyre region. That separate strike resulted in the deaths of three people, further adding to the civilian casualties in south Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces stated they were looking into the matter regarding the drone strike that killed the Syrian father and daughter, indicating an internal review of the incident. These strikes contribute to a climate of heightened tension and insecurity across the border region.
Official Condemnation
In response to these grave developments, Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants issued a strong statement condemning the Israeli drone strikes in South Lebanon. The ministry described the targeting of civilians as a "heinous crime" and a "flagrant violation of international law," showing the severity of the actions from a legal and humanitarian perspective. It called on the international community to exert pressure on Israel to cease its aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and its civilian population, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention. The statement reiterated Lebanon's inherent right to defend its territory and its people against such attacks, asserting national sovereignty. The Ministry also urged relevant international bodies to hold Israel accountable for actions that destabilize regional security and peace, seeking justice and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
