Intense Israeli air strikes in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least 492 people, marking the deadliest day of conflict in the region in nearly two decades, according to the country’s health ministry. The Israeli military reported targeting 1,600 Hezbollah sites in efforts to dismantle infrastructure established by the militant group since the 2006 war. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets into northern Israel, causing injuries to two individuals from shrapnel.
The health ministry’s report indicates that among the deceased are 35 children and 58 women, while approximately 1,645 people have been wounded. The ministry did not specify how many casualties were civilians versus combatants. Health Minister Firass Abiad noted that thousands of families have been displaced due to the air strikes. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern over the escalating conflict, wishing to avoid Lebanon becoming “another Gaza.” EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell referred to the situation as “extremely dangerous and worrying,” with President Joe Biden stating the U.S. is working towards de-escalation and sending additional troops to the region for precautionary measures.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported detecting multiple launches from Lebanon, with air strikes targeting the sources of these rockets. The first wave of air strikes commenced early Monday morning, leading to widespread destruction across southern Lebanon, affecting areas such as Sidon, Marjayoun, and Tyre, as well as the eastern Bekaa Valley. Reports indicated a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs was targeted, allegedly to strike at Hezbollah’s leadership, but the group’s media claimed their commander had moved to safety.
As civilians fled south towards Beirut, roads became congested, and some families faced urgent calls from the Israeli military to evacuate areas believed to house Hezbollah weaponry. Prime Minister Najib Mikati characterized the ongoing Israeli strikes as a “war of extermination,” emphasizing that the Lebanese government is actively seeking to halt these actions.
On the evening of the strikes, Israeli officials reported inflicting significant casualties among Hezbollah militants and reiterated that the campaign is aimed at mitigating Hezbollah’s ability to launch attacks into Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Lebanese citizens to evacuate areas utilized by Hezbollah, stating the organization has endangered them by placing military assets within civilian spaces. Despite the ongoing bombardment, Hezbollah responded with rocket fire targeting various locations in northern Israel, reaffirming its stance in the escalating conflict.