Tens of thousands of residents have fled southern Lebanon as Israel announced plans to intensify its aerial offensive, which has resulted in the deadliest day in the country since the war nearly two decades ago. The Israeli military declared it would operate at “full force,” with the death toll in Lebanon exceeding 500 as Hezbollah launched new cross-border attacks, amplifying fears of a broader regional conflict involving the U.S. ally and the Iran-backed militant group.
In response to the escalating situation, Washington is preparing to deploy troops to assist in the evacuation of American citizens, while numerous international flights have been canceled. Roads in southern Lebanon have become congested as residents abandon their homes due to Israeli warnings and subsequent bombardments. The United Nations Refugee Agency reported that tens of thousands have fled the region.
Local health officials state that nearly 500 people were killed in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes this past Monday, marking the deadliest bombardment since the 34-day war with Hezbollah in 2006. By Tuesday, the official toll had risen to at least 558, including 50 children and 94 women, with over 1,800 others injured, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. This number rose further after Israel conducted a “targeted strike” in the southern suburbs of Beirut, resulting in additional casualties.
The assault comes after Israel’s previous strikes on Hezbollah’s communication infrastructure, amid a year of growing hostilities that have displaced many on both sides of the border. Displaced individuals, such as Ali Hassan from Tyre, described their harrowing journeys and the lack of shelter for their families.
UNICEF cautioned that any further escalation would be disastrous for children and families in Lebanon, which is already suffering the effects of a prolonged economic and political crisis, compounded by the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion and the Covid-19 pandemic.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed grave concern, stating that the situation in Lebanon is “extremely dangerous” and likened it to being on the brink of war.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued their bombardment into Tuesday, claiming to strike numerous Hezbollah targets as part of “Operation Northern Arrows.” Israeli military leaders emphasized the necessity of relentless actions against Hezbollah, insisting that there should be no respite for the group.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has persisted in launching rockets into northern Israel, pledging to continue its assault until Israel halts its operations in Gaza, where over 41,400 people have been reported killed due to the recent conflict following Hamas’ attacks on October 7, which resulted in substantial Israeli casualties.
While Israel asserts that its military strategy in Lebanon is vital for securing safety in the north, the U.S. has expressed reservations about the approach of escalating violence as a means to achieve stability. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to engage in discussions aimed at de-escalation during the U.N. General Assembly in New York this week, collaborating with allies from the Group of Seven. U.S. officials emphasized the importance of taking Israeli military preparations seriously but also voiced doubts that a ground invasion would effectively reduce regional violence.