At least 492 people have died in intense Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. This tragic event marks the deadliest day of conflict in nearly 20 years, according to the country’s health ministry. In addition, thousands of families have fled their homes as the Israeli military claims to have hit approximately 1,300 Hezbollah targets. This operation aims to dismantle the infrastructure the armed group has built since the 2006 war.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah responded by launching over 200 rockets into northern Israel, injuring two people from shrapnel, according to paramedics. World powers are urging restraint as tensions rise.
Casualties and Displacement
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that among the dead, there are 35 children and 58 women. Furthermore, 1,645 others have been wounded, although it is unclear how many casualties are civilians or combatants. Health Minister Firass Abiad stated that thousands of families have been displaced by the relentless strikes. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed alarm at the situation, hoping Lebanon would not “become another Gaza.” EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell called the escalation “extremely dangerous and worrying.”
President Joe Biden stated that the US is “working to de-escalate” the situation, aiming for the safe return of residents. The Pentagon announced it would send “a small number” of additional troops to the Middle East as a precautionary measure.
Ongoing Conflict
Nearly a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has already claimed hundreds of lives, mostly among Hezbollah fighters. Both groups have vowed to support Hamas and will continue their efforts until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran, and both organizations are designated as terrorist groups by Israel, the UK, and others.
Escalating Airstrikes
Lebanese media reported that Israeli airstrikes began around 06:30 local time on Monday. Witnesses described the horrifying scene, with missiles flying overhead and bombings waking families in their homes. The strikes targeted numerous towns and villages across southern Lebanon, including Sidon, Tyre, and Beirut.
One woman recounted her experience: “It was horrifying. We woke up to the sound of bombings, and we didn’t expect this.” Roads became congested as people rushed to flee the area. A family on a motorbike expressed their anxiety, stating, “We just had to flee.”
International Concerns
Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli actions, calling them “a war of extermination.” He emphasized that the government is working to stop the ongoing aggression. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its airstrikes targeted around 1,300 Hezbollah “terror targets,” including rockets and launchers.
According to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, these strikes are crucial to degrading Hezbollah’s combat capabilities. The IDF also reported significant secondary explosions, indicating that many casualties may result from Hezbollah’s hidden weaponry.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Lebanese citizens to evacuate, stating, “Hezbollah has been using you as human shields.” Despite the escalating violence, a senior Israeli military official confirmed that the IDF is currently focusing only on aerial campaigns, dismissing immediate plans for a ground invasion.
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah has not commented on claims of hidden weapons but announced that it retaliated by firing barrages of rockets at several Israeli military bases. By evening, the IDF confirmed that 210 projectiles had crossed from Lebanon, with some landing in various regions, including Haifa.
As both sides continue to exchange fire, the international community watches with growing concern. The possibility of all-out war looms as both Hezbollah and Israeli forces remain entrenched in their positions.
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