47 killed in Israeli missile attack in Lebanon

International Desk: 47 people were killed in the Israeli air strike in East Lebanon. The attack was carried out on Thursday (November 21). A Lebanese government official said Israel carried out the attack to pressure Iran-backed Hezbollah into a cease-fire brokered by the United States.

US mediator Amos Hosten visited Lebanon last Tuesday and announced that a ceasefire would be negotiated. He also held meetings with the Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Israel. The Lebanese official told Reuters that some changes were requested in the US ceasefire proposal.

In particular, assurances were sought regarding the speedy withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. There is a strong diplomatic effort to end Israel's conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in the year-long war in Gaza. The governor of Lebanon's Baalbek Harmel province, Bacher Khader, said that 47 people were killed and 22 injured in the Israeli attack in the Baalbek region. He also said that the rescue operation is ongoing.

The region, located near the Syrian border, is under the control of Hezbollah. When Israeli attacks on the area began in September, many residents fled the area. The Israeli military said the attack targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, and that the attack was preceded by a warning.