Israeli Air Strikes Kill 492 People In Lebanon, Over 1,600 Wounded

At least 492 people have been killed and over 1,600 others wounded in a series of intense Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The attack which reportedly began at around 06:30 local time (03:30 GMT) on Monday, September 23, 2024, marks the deadliest day of conflict there in nearly two decades, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, as the Israeli military reported hitting 1,300 Hezbollah targets in an effort to dismantle the group’s infrastructure, which has been growing since the 2006 conflict.

In response to the airstrikes, Hezbollah fired over 200 rockets into northern Israel, with two people injured by shrapnel, according to Israeli paramedics.

World leaders have called for restraint as the conflict risks escalating into a full-blown war.

Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed that among the dead are 35 children and 58 women, with 1,645 others injured. The ministry did not clarify how many casualties were civilians or fighters.

Thousands of families have also been displaced, according to Lebanon’s health minister Firass Abiad.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres voiced his concerns over the deteriorating situation, emphasizing that Lebanon must not become “another Gaza.”

Meanwhile, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell warned of the extreme danger and seriousness of the situation, just ahead of a gathering at the UN in New York.

US President Joe Biden assured that efforts were being made to de-escalate the conflict and ensure safe return for displaced civilians. The Pentagon announced a limited deployment of additional US troops to the region for precautionary measures.

The nearly year-long skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israel, triggered by the Gaza conflict, have resulted in hundreds of deaths, mostly Hezbollah fighters, and mass displacement on both sides of the border.

Hezbollah has vowed to continue supporting Hamas until a ceasefire in Gaza is reached. Both Hezbollah and Hamas receive backing from Iran and are labeled as terrorist organizations by several countries, including Israel and the UK.

In response to the growing tensions, the Pentagon confirmed it is sending additional US military personnel to the Middle East to reinforce the forces already present in the region.

Israeli airstrikes began early Monday morning, striking numerous towns and villages across southern Lebanon and areas in the Bekaa Valley.

An attack later in the day targeted a building in Beirut, reportedly aimed at Hezbollah commander Ali Karaki. However, Hezbollah officials stated that Karaki was safe.

As airstrikes continued, roads from southern Lebanon to Beirut became gridlocked with people trying to escape. The Israeli military sent warnings urging civilians to evacuate buildings where Hezbollah weapons were stored.

Lebanon’s Information Minister Ziad Makary said his ministry received a call from Israel to evacuate its offices, but he described it as a “psychological tactic” and refused to comply. Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the ongoing attacks, calling them an extermination campaign.

The Israeli military announced it had hit approximately 1,300 Hezbollah targets, focusing on degrading the group’s ability to launch rocket attacks and destroying key infrastructure.

Despite Israeli claims, Hezbollah has not commented on accusations that it has stored weapons in civilian areas, although the group continued to launch rockets into Israel.

By Monday evening, the Israeli military reported over 200 rocket launches from Lebanon, striking areas in northern Israel, including Haifa and the Golan Heights. In response, Israeli airstrikes continued throughout southern Lebanon.

While Hezbollah remains a formidable force, recent attacks by Israel have inflicted significant losses on the group. Despite this, Hezbollah’s leadership remains resolute, vowing to continue its fight.

On the streets of Beirut, reactions were mixed, with some fearful of escalation while others remained defiant, expressing a determination to stand strong amidst the conflict.

KanyiDaily had reported how a top Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack in Iran.