Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes at southern and eastern Lebanon killing 500 people, including 24 children and 42 women. The airstrikes targeted positions of the militant group Hezbollah. The attacks occurred on Monday. Southern and eastern regions in Lebanon. Hezbollah stores weapons in those regions, according to the Israeli military, which caused the air raids. Thousands of civilians left their homes, blocking the main highway to Beirut in what became the biggest exodus since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.

Israeli Airstrikes And Civilian Casualties

It has ramped up its attacks on Lebanon starting from Monday, striking more than 800 Hezbollah-linked installations. The attacks came with a devastating toll after at least 356 were killed, including children and women. It was one of the deadliest escalations since the 2006 conflict. More than 1,240 people suffered injuries, according to the Health Ministry in Lebanon, while many homes and neighborhoods were destroyed. The strikes targeted places where Hezbollah is known to cache its weapons, which are often located within residential areas.

Hezbollah Retaliates
The airstrikes came as retaliation for Sunday’s attacks in which Hezbollah fired more than 100 rockets into northern Israel. The rocket attacks were a reprisal for an Israeli airstrike that hit the Beirut suburb last Friday killing a top Hezbollah commander and civilians, including women and children. Israel answered back by rocketing southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.

Thousands Flee From Southern Lebanon
The escalated forces made thousands of people run away from southern Lebanon; cars already filled up the major highway from Sidon to Beirut with people who sought safety. This is the biggest displacement in Lebanon since the Lebanon-Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006. The government of Lebanon is preparing shelters in Mount Lebanon for these displaced families to move in.

Destruction Of Hezbollah’s Arsenal
The air campaign destroyed tens of thousands of Hezbollah’s rockets and missiles. It weakened the group’s military capability considerably,” said the defense minister. This is an estimate, by the way, with Hezbollah possessing about 150,000 rockets, including long-range projectiles that could reach any part of Israel. This is yet another case where the conflict does not look to slow down. Tensions in the region continue to increase.

International Reactions
Egypt has condemned the attacks by Israelis, stating that the escalation may worsen the crisis. The United States also appealed for the de-escalation of efforts. President Joe Biden is currently holding talks over the conflict with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. However, Israel insists on staying in operations in the fight against the Hezbollah attacks.

The ongoing violence between Israel and Hezbollah has been sending several deadly causalities and the displacement of thousands. The region is now scared of more destruction since the Israeli army continues its attack. The international community has called for both sides to look for a truce and avoid full-scale war.