Lebanon hit by 300 Israeli airstrikes as Hezbollah launches retaliatory rockets
text_fields
The Israeli military intensified airstrikes on Monday, with reports indicating that approximately 300 Hezbollah targets were struck within Lebanon, following prior warnings from Israel, which had announced plans to amplify its military actions."
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) urged Lebanese civilians to evacuate their homes, reportedly issuing around 60,000 automated phone calls to residents in anticipation of the airstrikes.
Lebanese media reported multiple airstrikes, leading to significant casualties and injuries. As of the latest updates from Lebanon's Health Ministry, at least 50 individuals have been killed, with over 300 others wounded.
The victims include children, women, and paramedics, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian life. Hospitals in the region have been inundated with wounded individuals, reflecting the intensity of the attacks.
Unverified social media footage has depicted large explosions and chaotic scenes across various locations in Lebanon, with Arabic news sources describing the situation as a "relentless" series of bombardments. The IDF has been accused of engaging in "carpet bombing" tactics in several areas, leading to widespread destruction.
In response to the Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for launching dozens of rockets targeting Israeli military positions. The Lebanese armed group stated that these attacks were retaliatory actions against Israeli operations that had previously struck the southern and Bekaa regions of Lebanon.
Reports indicate that approximately 25 projectiles crossed into Israeli territory, with successful interceptions by the IDF's aerial defence systems. Despite the incoming projectiles, there have been no reported casualties on the Israeli side.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has also noted an escalation in bombardments in the area, particularly close to the Blue Line, which demarcates the border between Israel and Lebanon.
