Lebanon is facing its deadliest escalation in nearly a year as Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets have claimed the lives of at least 182 people, with over 700 wounded, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The strikes, which occurred on Monday, represent the most intensive Israeli campaign in Lebanon since the outbreak of conflict with Hamas in Gaza earlier in October.
The Israeli military claims its attacks are aimed at Hezbollah’s infrastructure, but many of the strikes have hit residential areas in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, sparking outrage. Reports indicate that women, children, and medics are among the casualties. Thousands of residents have fled their homes, jamming major routes from southern Lebanon as evacuation orders are issued. This is reminiscent of the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, when similar exodus patterns occurred.
Israel’s military confirmed targeting 300 Hezbollah sites on Monday alone. The campaign extends beyond southern Lebanon, with strikes reported as far as Byblos and northern Lebanon, regions that have rarely seen such attacks in the past. Israeli officials stress that the operations are part of an effort to curb Hezbollah’s missile capabilities, particularly as the group has launched retaliatory strikes into northern Israel.
The ongoing escalation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, especially as Hezbollah has pledged to continue its operations in solidarity with Hamas. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that the strikes would persist until the northern region is safe for Israeli residents to return to their homes.
Lebanese authorities have called on hospitals in affected regions to prioritize emergency cases and postpone non-essential surgeries, preparing for a potential influx of casualties as the violence continues.
The international community, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron, has expressed concern over the rising tensions, urging de-escalation amid fears of a wider conflict involving Iran-backed militant groups.