Beirut, Lebanon: Israeli air strikes on Monday have killed 356 people in Lebanon, including 24 children, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. This marks the deadliest escalation of violence since the conflict erupted on October 7, following attacks from Hamas on Israel. The conflict has since drawn in Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups, intensifying tensions across the region.
In response to Hezbollah’s involvement, Israeli forces targeted approximately 1,100 Hezbollah positions in southern and eastern Lebanon, including a strike in Beirut. Sources close to Hezbollah reported that the strike aimed at a key commander, Ali Karake.
The violence has heavily impacted civilians, with Lebanese authorities confirming that many of the victims were children, women, and paramedics. Additionally, approximately 5,000 people have been injured since the start of the strikes.
Regional Tensions Escalate
On the northern front, Israeli citizens in Haifa were forced to seek shelter as air raid sirens sounded. In response, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks targeting Israeli military sites. The exchange of fire has displaced thousands of families in Lebanon, with smoke visible from bombings near the ancient city of Baalbek.
Israeli military officials have indicated that their strikes are aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s infrastructure and pushing the group away from the Israeli border. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that these actions are intended to shift the “security balance” in the region.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has vowed to continue its support for Hamas, firing rockets into Israel on an almost daily basis.
International Concerns
World leaders are calling for restraint, fearing that the ongoing violence could spiral into a broader regional war. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged the United Nations and international powers to step in and prevent further destruction of Lebanese towns and villages.
UN officials have also warned of Lebanon becoming another Gaza if the situation continues to deteriorate. The UNIFIL peacekeeping force has highlighted the potential for a wider conflict, stressing the need for de-escalation on both sides.
US Response
The United States, a key ally of Israel, has been active in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. President Joe Biden announced that the US is working to de-escalate the situation to enable civilians to safely return to their homes. Additional US military personnel have been deployed to the region as a precautionary measure.
With violence intensifying in both Gaza and Lebanon, there is growing concern over the humanitarian toll on civilians. The conflict has already resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel and thousands more in Gaza, according to official reports.
This ongoing situation continues to draw international attention, as world powers push for a ceasefire and lasting peace.
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