Israeli airstrikes killed 274 people, including 21 children, in Lebanon on Monday, according to Lebanon’s Health Minister, Firass Abiad.
This escalation marks the deadliest cross-border conflict since the Gaza war began on October 7.
The conflict originated with Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel, drawing Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups into the violence. Israel reported targeting about 1,100 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, including a significant strike in Beirut aimed at Ali Karake, Hezbollah’s third-in-command after previous strikes eliminated other key leaders.
Lebanon’s state media confirmed additional raids in the country’s eastern regions, while Hezbollah retaliated with strikes on Israeli targets. Air raid sirens rang out in Haifa, causing Israelis to take shelter, and the Israeli military announced it had struck approximately 800 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Amidst this violence, world leaders have called for restraint, hoping to avoid an all-out war, as tensions grow along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s actions were meant to shift the “security balance” in the north. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to respond with missile launches, vowing an “open reckoning” with Israel.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged global intervention, accusing Israel of aiming to destroy Lebanese towns and villages.
The conflict has displaced thousands of people on both sides of the border, with ongoing airstrikes causing widespread destruction and casualties.
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