Beirut, Lebanon - Recent

Israel's attacks in Lebanon have inflicted civilian casualties and caused widespread destruction, said Lebanese Minister of Transport and Public Works Ali Hamieh, adding that achieving a ceasefire is an overarching priority.

The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since the outbreak of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict on Oct 8, 2023 has risen to 2,412, and the number of wounded individuals has increased to 11,285, according to a report released by the Lebanese Council of Ministers on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Beirut, Ali Hamieh talked about the losses in the infrastructure for transportation and public works sector.

The ongoing destruction of infrastructure is also posing challenges in reaching residents in villages in southern Lebanon and delivering aid nationwide, he added.

The minister also pointed out that efforts have been made to promote a ceasefire.

Shotlist:
Beirut, Lebanon - Recent:
1. Interview in progress;
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ali Hamieh, Lebanese Minister of Transport and Public Works (partially overlaid with shot 3):
"First, the losses in the areas attacked by Israel in the south to Beqaa in the east and to Beirut in the west as well as ongoing bombings of buildings and civilians have prevented the ministry from assessing the damages to the infrastructure. The priority now is a ceasefire and to protect the civilian population from the onslaught.";
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 16, 2024
3. Smoke rising from building;
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 11, 2024
4. Traffic on road around destroyed building;
5. Various of ruins of buildings, cars damaged in airstrikes, rubble;
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
6. Various of ruins of buildings, rubble;
Beirut, Lebanon - Recent
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ali Hamieh, Lebanese Minister of Transport and Public Works (starting with shot 6/ending with shots 8-10):
"The infrastructure includes not only roads but also all ports. For example, destroying the Masna'a highway, the main link to Syria, has multiple impacts. In terms of humanitarian, about 500,000 displaced people have been prevented from moving to Syria from southern Lebanon. Economically, the exports of agricultural products, fruits and vegetables have stopped when infrastructure was damaged. These ports create revenue for the country to pay salaries. Ports are not only for imports and exports, but they are a source to help create jobs and pay salaries for state employees.";
Beirut, Lebanon - Sept 24, 2024
8. Various of displaced residents;
9. Staff members delivering supplies;
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 14, 2024
10. Various of port scene;
11. Street scene;
Beirut, Lebanon - Recent
12. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ali Hamieh, Lebanese Minister of Transport and Public Works (ending with shots 13-16):
"Since the beginning of the conflict in Lebanon, the Prime Minister and Parliament speaker have constantly confirmed that they are committed to implement the Resolution 1701 and are seeking diplomatic solutions and ceasefire, but the Israeli side has not stopped the massacres against our civilians around the country. The international community has maintained a puzzling silence about targeting of Lebanese civilians. France has called for a conference on Oct. 24 in Paris and we'll see if there's a solution.";
Saksakiyeh, Lebanon - Sept 28, 2024
13. Injured person lying in hospital bed;
14. Equipment showing patient's vitals;
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024
15. Various of smoke rising over city;
16. Various of smoke rising from buildings;
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 3, 2024
17. Various of damaged residential building in central Beirut.

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