Asian Mail
Beirut, Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon have resulted in 182 deaths and 727 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. This marks the deadliest cross-border escalation since the war erupted in Gaza on October 7.
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The conflict began when Palestinian group Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel, killing 1,205 people, mostly civilians. This drew in Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups, sparking a wider conflict.
Israel’s military has hit over 300 Hezbollah sites with dozens of strikes, targeting military infrastructure and personnel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is “not waiting for threats to emerge, but preempting them” to change the “security balance” in the north.
Hezbollah has targeted three sites in northern Israel, including military production facilities and an air base. The group’s deputy chief, Naim Qassem, declared they are in a “new phase, an open reckoning with Israel”.
The airstrikes have killed 182 people, including children, women, and health workers, and injured 727 others. Hundreds have fled their homes, seeking shelter in schools and streets.
World powers have urged Israel and Hezbollah to pull back from all-out war. US President Joe Biden pledged to “do everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out.” UN Chief Antonio Guterres warned of Lebanon becoming “another Gaza,” emphasizing the need for restraint.
The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealed to the UN and world powers to deter Israel’s “plan to destroy Lebanese villages and towns.”
(Courtesy AFP News)
