At least 100 people were killed and over 300 injured after the Israeli military carried out around 300 strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Monday. The intense cross-border violence has escalated fears of a full-scale war that could destabilize the region. The death toll is the highest in nearly a year of ongoing clashes between the two sides.
Heavy Casualties and Destruction
According to a statement from the Lebanese Health Ministry, the Israeli raids on southern towns and villages resulted in 50 fatalities, including children, women, and emergency workers, with more than 300 others wounded. The ministry emphasized that the numbers are provisional and could rise.
IDF’s Response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on social media platform X that it had struck over 300 Hezbollah targets on Monday. The IDF also shared a photo of military chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi authorizing additional strikes from the IDF Headquarters Underground Operations Center in Tel Aviv. “The Chief of the General Staff approves strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon from the IDF Headquarters Underground Operations Center. So far, more than 300 Hezbollah targets have been struck today,” the post read.
A pro-Israel channel on X also posted a video showing IDF jets flying over the skies of the Sinai village in Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces are expanding the geography of attacks on Lebanon.
After massive strikes on the southern regions, aviation is already operating deep into Lebanese territory.#Lebanon #Israel #massivestrikes deep pic.twitter.com/nEtf4GEaAm— Tesla Dogs (@TeslaDogs) September 23, 2024
Lebanese Response
In response to the strikes, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attacks, describing them as part of a “destructive plan” aimed at wiping out Lebanese towns and villages. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Mikati stated, “The continuing Israeli aggression on Lebanon is a war of extermination in every sense of the word and a destructive plan that aims to destroy Lebanese villages and towns.” He called on the United Nations, the General Assembly, and influential countries to intervene and put an end to the Israeli aggression.
Rising Tensions
The situation remains tense as both sides exchange fire, with the potential for the conflict to further escalate. The international community is closely monitoring developments, fearing that the violence could spiral into a broader regional conflict.
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