In the deadliest day of conflict Lebanon has seen in nearly two decades, the Israeli military launched intense air strikes targeting Hezbollah, resulting in at least 492 fatalities, according to the country’s health ministry. The situation has escalated dramatically, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claiming they struck approximately 1,600 Hezbollah targets, aiming to dismantle the militant group’s extensive infrastructure that has built up since the 2006 war.
The toll of the air strikes has had a devastating impact, among the deceased are 35 children and 58 women, with over 1,645 individuals wounded. Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety amidst the bombardment. “It was horrifying, the missiles flew over our heads. We woke up to the sound of bombings,” recounted one terrified resident.
Hezbollah responded with its own barrages, launching over 200 rockets into northern Israel, which resulted in injuries to at least two civilians. As the fighting rages on, both sides seem to be inching closer to an all-out war, prompting calls for restraint from global leaders. UN Secretary General António Guterres voiced concerns about the possibility of Lebanon becoming “another Gaza,” highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation.
In a statement preceding a gathering of world leaders at the UN in New York, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell characterized the situation as “extremely dangerous and worrying,” remarking, “We are almost in a full-fledged war.” Meanwhile, President Joe Biden emphasized the U.S. commitment to de-escalating tensions and ensuring the safety of civilians, as the Pentagon announced the deployment of “a small number” of additional troops to the Middle East for precautionary reasons.
The ongoing conflict, now nearly a year old, was triggered by the war in Gaza and has resulted in significant casualties, predominantly among Hezbollah fighters. Both Hezbollah and Hamas, which are backed by Iran, are designated as terrorist organizations by Israel, the UK, and several other countries. Hezbollah maintains that its actions are in support of Hamas and will continue until a ceasefire is established in Gaza.
As the air strikes intensified, Lebanese media reported widespread destruction across southern Lebanon, affecting towns and villages including Sidon, Tyre, and Bint Jbeil. Reports emerged that the IDF targeted high-ranking Hezbollah figures, including commander Ali Karaki, though the group stated he was unharmed and had moved to a secure location.
With the civilian population caught in the crossfire, Lebanese officials decried the Israeli actions. Prime Minister Najib Mikati labelled the ongoing assault as a “war of extermination,” and Information Minister Ziad Makary stated that they would not comply with Israeli demands for evacuations, calling it part of a “psychological war.”
Amid the chaos, residents voiced their fears. “What do you want us to say? We just had to flee,” said a father escaping with his family on a motorbike. Others expressed deep anxiety over the potential for further escalation and the humanitarian crisis unfolding.
The IDF, meanwhile, maintains that its campaign is focused solely on aerial operations aimed at crippling Hezbollah’s capabilities to launch attacks on Israel. “Essentially, we are targeting combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past 20 years,” said Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the IDF’s Chief of Staff.
As the situation deteriorates, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to a conflict that threatens not only Lebanon and Israel but the broader stability of the region.
