Israeli airstrikes have killed 274 people, including 21 children, in Lebanon on Monday, marking the deadliest escalation since the conflict in Gaza began on October 7, according to the Lebanese health minister.
The violence erupted after Hamas launched a significant attack on Israel, drawing in Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups.
Israel reported striking approximately 800 Hezbollah sites across southern and eastern Lebanon and conducted a targeted strike in Beirut aimed at a senior Hezbollah operative.
In response, Hezbollah claimed to have attacked five sites in Israel.
Health Minister Firass Abiad noted that around 5,000 people have been injured since the outbreak of violence.
As the conflict intensifies, world powers are urging both Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate.
Residents, like 60-year-old Wafaa Ismail from Zawtar, described their lives as being dominated by continuous bombardment.
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The Israeli military stated it struck approximately 800 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, warned of further strikes and urged residents to avoid potential Hezbollah-linked targets.
Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that thousands of families have been displaced, with officials in Tyre noting that hundreds have fled their homes.
AFP correspondents observed numerous vehicles leaving Sidon, and the Israeli military advised those in the Bekaa Valley to evacuate as it expanded its operations.
Explosions near Baalbek sent smoke billowing into the sky, while the National News Agency reported Israeli raids in various mountain areas and the town of Hermel.
In response, Hezbollah launched rockets at military sites near Haifa and announced it had fired dozens of rockets at Israeli bases as retaliation for the Israeli attacks.
The education minister announced that schools in targeted areas would close for two days. Lebanese citizens received alerts from Israel urging quick evacuations.
Hezbollah, a significant military and political force in Lebanon, has been in near-constant conflict with Israel, particularly in support of Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is taking preemptive actions to alter the security balance in the north. Hezbollah’s deputy chief, Naim Qassem, declared that the group is ready for all military options.
Since the conflict escalated in October, tens of thousands on both sides have been forced to flee their homes.
An Israeli military official outlined that the operation aims to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities, push them back from the border, and dismantle infrastructure built by Hezbollah’s Radwan Force.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the United Nations and world powers to intervene against what he described as Israel’s plan to destroy Lebanese villages and towns.
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