Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes on Taybeh village, as viewed from the southern town of Marjayoun, Lebanon, on Monday, September 23, 2024. AP Photo
On Monday, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon resulted in more than 490 deaths, including over 90 women and children, making it the deadliest day of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah since their 2006 war. Lebanon's authorities confirmed the casualties and also reported 1,645 injured. These airstrikes come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon.
In response to the intensifying violence, the Israeli military warned civilians in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate their homes as Israel expanded its military campaign. Thousands of Lebanese residents fled from the south, causing heavy traffic on the main highway leading from Sidon to Beirut, reminiscent of the mass exodus during the 2006 war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Lebanese civilians in a recorded message, urging them to heed evacuation warnings and assuring them they could safely return to their homes once the military operations concluded. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, stated that Israel's goal was to push Hezbollah forces away from the Lebanese border, and if necessary, Israel would launch a ground invasion to accomplish this.
Hagari noted that Monday’s airstrikes were aimed at weakening Hezbollah’s military capabilities, particularly targeting missile and drone launch sites that were reportedly hidden in residential areas. Israeli warplanes struck 1,300 Hezbollah targets, including missiles and attack drones. Israel believes Hezbollah has around 150,000 rockets and missiles, some of which can reach deep into Israeli territory.
Emergency workers remove debris at the site of an Israeli airstrike in a southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The strike occurred on Friday. AP Photo
In a separate incident, Israel launched a targeted strike in Beirut’s southern suburb, an area known for being a Hezbollah stronghold. The Lebanese government reported that the missiles wounded six people. Meanwhile, Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad said the strikes had hit hospitals, medical centers, and ambulances in various parts of Lebanon, worsening an already dire situation for civilians.
In retaliation, Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets into Israel, including strikes on military bases and defense industry facilities. Israel continues to face regular rocket and drone attacks from Hezbollah, with around 9,000 projectiles launched since last October. This ongoing back-and-forth has led to widespread destruction on both sides of the border, with civilians from both Israel and Lebanon fleeing to safer areas.
Rescue teams are using heavy machinery to remove debris from the area in Beirut's southern suburbs that was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Friday, September 23, 2024. AP Photo
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is closely tied to the broader Middle Eastern tensions, particularly the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has vowed to continue its attacks in solidarity with Hamas and the Palestinian cause. Israel, on the other hand, is determined to restore calm to its northern border, even as it battles Hamas forces in the south.
The increasing violence has raised concerns about a full-scale war. The United States has expressed concern over the situation and called for a diplomatic resolution to ease tensions.
