Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Lebanon, resulting in nearly 500 fatalities and over 1,600 injuries. This marked the deadliest day of conflict since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they targeted approximately 1,300 “terrorist sites” linked to Hezbollah, which has been engaged in ongoing exchanges of rocket fire with Israel for almost a year.
What happened in Lebanon?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Whoever tries to hurt us, we hurt him even more”. He warned that Israel is facing “complex days” ahead. Netanyahu highlighted the aim of altering the security balance in the northern region, indicating that military operations would continue without pause.
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari reported that the attacks were focused on various types of weaponry stored by Hezbollah. These include cruise missiles and heavy rockets concealed within civilian infrastructure. Hagari noted that the high death toll includes many individuals associated with these weapons.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that among the nearly 500 casualties were 25 children and 58 women. Hospitals in southern and eastern Lebanon have been ordered to halt nonessential surgeries to prioritize treatment for the wounded. Additionally, schools and universities in Lebanon have suspended classes amid the escalating violence.
Warnings and Evacuations on Lebanon
For the first time, the IDF issued warnings for Lebanese civilians to evacuate areas near Hezbollah positions. Approximately 60,000 individuals have been evacuated from the Israeli side of the border, while over 100,000 have been displaced in Lebanon, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Regional and International Reactions
U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed concerns about the potential for a wider conflict, stating that the U.S. will strive to prevent escalation. The State Department has issued advisories for Americans to leave Lebanon, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to work with international partners to explore avenues for de-escalation during discussions at the U.N.
Broader Context
The latest escalation followed a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 that killed more than 1,200 Israelis. It triggered Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip that have killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians.
Hezbollah has retaliated by launching rockets at Israeli military targets, further complicating the conflict. The situation remains fluid, with concerns about the potential for a broader war between regional actors.
As Israel continues its military operations, the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepens. The conflict reflects long-standing tensions in the region, with both sides caught in a cycle of violence that threatens to escalate further.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-evacuation-strikes-rcna172180