Lebanon Devastated by Deadly Israeli Strikes Amid Escalating Conflict

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MARJAYOUN, Lebanon — On Monday, Lebanon witnessed the deadliest day of conflict since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, with Israeli airstrikes claiming the lives of more than 490 people, including over 90 women and children, according to Lebanese authorities.

The strikes targeted southern and eastern Lebanon, prompting a massive exodus of thousands of Lebanese fleeing towards Beirut, reminiscent of the displacement seen during the 2006 conflict. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the strikes resulted in 492 fatalities, including 35 children and 58 women, and left 1,645 others wounded — a staggering toll that has further strained the country reeling from recent attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Lebanese civilians through a recorded message, urging them to evacuate to safety. “Please get out of harm’s way now,” Netanyahu emphasised, promising that civilians could return home once Israel’s operation concludes.

Simultaneously, the United States announced the deployment of additional troops to the Middle East in response to the escalating violence. The USS Harry S. Truman and accompanying naval vessels departed for the Sixth Fleet area in Europe, potentially bolstering U.S. forces in the region amid rising tensions.

Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, asserted that the airstrikes were aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and reducing the threat posed to Israel. He noted that Hezbollah had launched thousands of rockets and drones into Israel since October 2023, escalating the conflict further.

The current escalation underscores the complex history and ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, rooted in decades of conflict and regional geopolitical dynamics. Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist group, has a long history of armed resistance against Israel, dating back to its inception in the 1980s. Meanwhile, Israel’s military actions are part of its broader strategy to mitigate threats from groups like Hezbollah and protect its borders.

However, amidst the military strategies and geopolitical manoeuvres, the human cost of this conflict is starkly evident. Innocent civilians, including women, men, and children, continue to bear the brunt of the violence, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to seek a peaceful resolution. The international community’s response, including humanitarian aid and diplomatic initiatives, remains crucial in mitigating the suffering and addressing the root causes of the ongoing crisis in the region.

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