Calls Israel's Attack Destroyed, Lebanese Economy Minister: It's Beyond 2006

The F-15I fighter jet used by Israel to bomb Lebanon. (Wikimedia Commons/IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

JAKARTA - Israel's attack in Lebanon 'destroyed the country,' said Lebanese Economy Minister Amin Salam, warning of long-term problems due to the evacuation of more than one million people.

Minister Salam condemned Thursday morning's attack on downtown Beirut, which first took place in parts of the city since 2006, highlighting how Israel carried out attacks that were getting closer to civilian areas.

"This is already far beyond what happened in 2006," Salam told CNN, as quoted October 4.

The Minister of Salam showed the attack was carried out less than two miles from the Government Palace.

He further warned that the evacuation of more than one million Lebanese and Syrian citizens from Lebanon would be a "long-term problem" that the government must address, even if a ceasefire is imposed.

"We have hospitals full of people, schools full of people, people sleeping on the street, and this war continues. In my opinion, this war has no purpose. This war is only destroying the country," said the Minister of Salam.

"We need to rebuild their cities, their villages. We need to provide a peaceful condition for them. So, we are really in a very complicated operation right now to take care of everyone," he added.

Separately, Lebanese Health Ministry said at least 37 people were killed and 151 others injured as a result of Israeli attacks across Lebanon on Thursday.

These include nine deaths and 24 injuries in Beirut, where several attacks were carried out overnight, including one attack in the city center.