At least 100 people were killed, and over 400 others injured in Lebanon after Israel launched a massive wave of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah on Monday.
The strikes followed a series of cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, triggered by the latter’s support for Hamas in Gaza, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
The strikes targeted Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and near the Syrian border, marking Israel’s largest military offensive in the region in recent years.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the operation was intended to secure the northern border and ensure the safe return of residents.
“We are deepening our attacks in Lebanon,” Gallant said in a video, adding that the operations would continue until the objective is achieved.
Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets at Israeli military posts, escalating tensions further. Israel claimed to have hit more than 300 Hezbollah targets, with the strikes focusing on locations where Hezbollah allegedly stored weapons.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that many of the casualties included women, children, and medics. Meanwhile, residents across Lebanon, including in Beirut, were urged to evacuate areas near Hezbollah posts, though Lebanon’s Information Minister Ziad Makary dismissed the calls as psychological warfare aimed at causing chaos.
Fear of a larger conflict is growing among residents, with many bracing for further escalation. “If Hezbollah carries out a major operation, Israel will respond and destroy more than this,” said Beirut resident Joseph Ghafary.
The situation remains volatile as both sides exchange heavy fire in what could become a prolonged conflict.