Israel Launches Major Attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has conducted extensive air strikes across Lebanon, targeting over 1,300 sites linked to the Shiite militia Hezbollah. The strikes have resulted in devastating casualties, with the Lebanese Ministry of Health reporting at least 356 fatalities, including 24 children, and over 1,246 injuries. This marks the highest toll in southern Lebanon since the onset of hostilities nearly a year ago. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a 'war' against Hezbollah, emphasizing that the conflict is not with the Lebanese people but with the militant group, which he accuses of using civilians as human shields.
Israeli military officials claim to have destroyed 'tens of thousands' of Hezbollah rockets aimed at Israel, as the conflict intensifies following a surge in missile attacks from Hezbollah into Israeli territory. In response to the air strikes, Hezbollah has fired over 150 missiles into Israel, with some being intercepted by missile defense systems. As the violence escalates, Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency, anticipating further retaliatory strikes from Hezbollah.
Panic and Displacement in Southern Lebanon
The recent bombardments have triggered widespread panic among civilians in southern Lebanon, prompting the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents from areas near the Israeli border. Reports indicate that families are fleeing to safer regions, creating traffic chaos as they attempt to escape the violence. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of 'panic and chaos' as people rush to leave cities like Tyre and Sidon, seeking refuge in the northern parts of the country or in Beirut.
The Lebanese government has condemned Israel's actions as a 'war of extermination,' calling for international intervention to halt the aggression. Hospitals in southern Lebanon have been overwhelmed with casualties, leading to the suspension of non-urgent surgeries to accommodate the influx of injured individuals. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the potential for a ground invasion by Israeli forces remains a concern, with military officials stating that all options are on the table to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.
