Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Kill Over 490 Amid Intensifying Conflict with Hezbollah, Raising Fears of Full-Scale War

On Monday, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon resulted in the death of over 490 people, including more than 90 women and children, marking the deadliest day since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. The strikes were part of a broader Israeli military campaign targeting Hezbollah.

Israel warned residents of southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate, prompting thousands to flee. This warning followed an intensification of airstrikes and growing violence between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group.

The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed the devastating toll, with 492 people killed and 1,645 wounded. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged civilians to take the evacuation warnings seriously and flee the region.

Israel’s military claimed that the airstrikes had significantly damaged Hezbollah’s capabilities but gave no timeline for the operation. Thousands of rockets and drones have been fired by Hezbollah into Israel since last October, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure hidden within civilian areas.

The Israeli military has expanded its airstrikes to regions further north, even hitting residential areas and hospitals, according to Lebanon’s Health Minister. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has continued to launch rockets into Israel, targeting military bases and infrastructure.

The ongoing exchange of fire has led to heightened fears of a full-scale war, especially as Israel is already engaged in a separate conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah has pledged solidarity with Hamas, further escalating tensions in the region.

Internationally, world leaders, including U.S. officials, expressed concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Biden administration emphasized the importance of achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza as a way to ease regional tensions.

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with the U.S. and other countries offering potential solutions to prevent further escalation. However, no concrete measures have been implemented, and the conflict continues to intensify.

Amid the violence, the United Nations has paused peacekeeping patrols in southern Lebanon, citing the dangerous conditions. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm at the high number of civilian casualties.

As the situation worsens, both Israel and Hezbollah are preparing for prolonged conflict, with Hezbollah determined to continue its attacks until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza. Meanwhile, both Lebanese and Israeli communities near the border have been largely evacuated, further illustrating the region’s escalating crisis.