Israeli forces have captured a historic castle in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ground offensive that has already claimed dozens of lives. The Beaufort Castle, a Crusader-era fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking the Litani River, was taken in a dawn raid on Wednesday, according to military officials. The castle, which has changed hands multiple times over centuries, provides a commanding view of the surrounding region and is considered a key strategic asset for controlling southern Lebanon.
The seizure comes as Israeli troops push deeper into Lebanese territory, encountering fierce resistance from Hezbollah fighters. The offensive, code-named "Operation Northern Shield," has seen heavy air strikes and artillery bombardments targeting reported Hezbollah positions. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed the escalation, urging restraint from both sides.
Local residents reported intense gunfire and explosions near the castle, which is a popular tourist site in peacetime. "We could see smoke rising from the hill. It was terrifying," said Fatima Hassan, a schoolteacher from the nearby village of Arnoun. She and her family have been sheltering in their basement for three days. The capture of the castle is a symbolic victory for Israel, which had previously occupied the site during its 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon until 2000.
Humanitarian organisations are sounding alarm bells. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that the escalation is placing unbearable strain on fragile infrastructure. "Hospitals are overwhelmed. Roads are damaged. People are running out of food and water," said ICRC spokesperson Philippe Verdon. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 30,000 people have been displaced in the past week alone.
In Beirut, Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the operation and called for emergency UN Security Council action. "This is a violation of our sovereignty and threatens regional stability," he said in a televised address. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed retaliation, stating that the group's arsenal remains intact and ready to strike Israeli cities.
The conflict originated with a Hezbollah rocket attack on a military convoy near the Israeli border on Monday, which killed four Israeli soldiers. Israel responded with a wave of air strikes, leading to the current ground operation. The United States has expressed support for Israel's right to self-defence but urged de-escalation. The European Union called for an immediate ceasefire.
For families like the Hassans, the cost of war is measured in more than territory. "We have lost everything. Our home is gone. Our livelihood is gone," said Fatima. Her husband Ahmed, a labourer, was injured by shrapnel while trying to fetch water. They now depend on aid convoys for survival.
The capture of Beaufort Castle is a stark reminder that in the Middle East, history is never buried. It is a prize for which battles are fought and blood spilled. As the sun sets, the Israeli flag now flies over the ancient stones.
