Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Monday killed at least 558 people, including 35 children, 39 women and two medics, according to the health minister.
Firass Abiad said Israeli bombing targeted homes, medical centres, ambulances and cars of people trying to flee, Al Jazeera reported. Over 1,800 people were injured in air raids.
The Israeli military in a statement said that it conducted over 800 air raids targeting locations associated with Hezbollah
The escalation of violence raises concerns about the potential for a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as broader regional conflict. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health stated that among the casualties were children, women, and medical personnel.
This announcement followed warnings from the Israeli military for civilians to evacuate areas it claimed were being utilized by Hezbollah, which had launched a series of rockets into northern Israel the day before.
The fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border has intensified, coinciding with the ongoing conflict that began when Israel launched its war on Gaza in October. This escalation follows last week’s incidents involving explosions from pagers and walkie-talkies that resulted in numerous casualties in Lebanon.
In the early hours of Monday, Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced that Israeli forces had carried out “extensive strikes” against Hezbollah positions after detecting attempts to launch rockets.
The Israeli government has recently shifted its focus toward the conflict with Hezbollah, aiming to facilitate the return of approximately 60,000 Israelis who had been evacuated from border areas.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant urged the public to remain calm as military operations expanded.
In a video message, he stated, “We are deepening our attacks in Lebanon, and these actions will continue until we achieve our goal of safely returning northern residents to their homes.”
Gallant stressed the need for the Israeli public to demonstrate composure during these challenging times.
When asked, Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari warned residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate areas where the armed group Hezbollah maintains positions. Civilians received phone calls urging them to leave these locations for their safety.
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The Israeli army spokesperson said: “We recommend that civilians in Lebanese villages near buildings and sites used by Hezbollah for military purposes, including weapon storage, immediately move to safety.”
When asked about the possibility of a ground invasion into Lebanon, Hagari responded, “We will take all necessary actions to ensure the safe return of northern residents to their homes.”
Reports from Lebanese media indicate that individuals across the country, including in the capital, Beirut, have been receiving similar evacuation messages from Israeli authorities.
Pakistan condemned Israel’s latest military aggression against Lebanon on Tuesday.
“This act of aggression against the Republic of Lebanon is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law. It is a dangerous escalation that has further endangered peace and security in an already volatile region,” a Foreign Office press release said.
It said Pakistan reaffirmed its full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stood in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and for their right to live in peace and security.
“We call upon the international community to take urgent steps to hold Israel to account for its alarming adventurism in the region and its acts of aggression and genocide,” it added.
