Death Toll From Israeli Strikes Reaches 558, Says Lebanese Health Ministry

In what marks probably the most intense exchanges for the reason that 2006 Israel-Hezbollah battle, Israel launched a collection of devastating airstrikes throughout Lebanon on Monday, resulting in the very best single-day civilian demise toll in almost twenty years. The operation, which Israel claims focused Hezbollah infrastructure, has resulted in over 558 deaths, together with greater than 50 youngsters and 94 girls, in accordance with Lebanon’s Well being Minister Firass Abiad.

The strikes, a part of what Israel has termed “Operation Northern Arrows,” geared toward diminishing Hezbollah’s army capabilities, included focusing on a senior Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Kobeissi, in Beirut. This operation displays Israel’s aggressive stance in direction of Hezbollah, escalating tensions which have been simmering for months, intertwined with the broader regional conflicts, significantly the continuing strife in Gaza.

The fierce bombardment has led to scenes of chaos and despair, with 1000’s fleeing southern Lebanon in direction of Beirut and different safer areas. Hospitals in southern Lebanon have been overwhelmed, prompting the Lebanese Well being Ministry to request the postponement of non-urgent surgical procedures to handle the inflow of wounded.

The worldwide neighborhood has expressed alarm over the escalation. The USA, whereas urging its residents to depart Lebanon resulting from security issues, has been engaged on diplomatic channels to de-escalate the state of affairs. President Biden highlighted the significance of a ceasefire in Gaza to scale back regional tensions. In the meantime, Qatar and France have known as for pressing UN Safety Council conferences, emphasizing the brink of broader battle the area faces.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the actions as shifting the “steadiness of energy” within the north, aiming to push Hezbollah away from the border and dismantle its army infrastructure.