At least 100 people have been killed and over 400 others injured in Lebanon after Israel launched a massive series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions on Monday. The strikes came in response to cross-border clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, reportedly triggered by Hezbollah’s support for Hamas in Gaza, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
The airstrikes targeted Hezbollah strongholds across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and areas near the Syrian border, marking one of Israel’s largest military offensives in the region in recent years.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant explained that the operation aimed to secure Israel’s northern border and ensure the safe return of local residents. “We are deepening our attacks in Lebanon,” Gallant stated in a video message, adding that operations would continue until Israel’s objectives were fully achieved.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli military posts, intensifying the already fraught situation. Israeli forces claimed to have hit more than 300 Hezbollah targets, focusing on sites believed to be used for weapons storage.
Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed that many of the victims were women, children, and medical personnel. In the wake of the strikes, Lebanese residents, particularly those near Hezbollah posts, were urged to evacuate. However, Lebanon’s Information Minister, Ziad Makary, dismissed these evacuation calls as psychological warfare intended to create panic.
Fear of a broader conflict has begun to spread among Lebanese citizens, many of whom are bracing for further escalation. Beirut resident Joseph Ghafary remarked, “If Hezbollah carries out a major operation, Israel will respond and destroy more than this.”
With tensions rising and heavy fire being exchanged, the region remains on edge, with the potential for a prolonged conflict looming over both sides.
