Israeli strikes on Lebanon have resulted in a devastating toll, with more than 490 people killed, including over 90 women and children, according to Lebanese authorities. This marks the deadliest barrage since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. The Israeli military has issued warnings for residents in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate in anticipation of a widening air campaign against Hezbollah.
The strikes have prompted a significant exodus, with thousands of Lebanese fleeing the south. The main highway out of the southern port city of Sidon was congested with cars heading towards Beirut, marking the largest exodus since 2006.
Lebanon's health ministry reported that the strikes have resulted in 492 deaths, including 35 children and 58 women, and left 1,645 people wounded. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, urged Lebanese civilians to take evacuation warnings seriously, emphasizing the importance of getting out of harm's way.
Israel's military has conducted widespread airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, claiming to have inflicted heavy damage on the group. The military is prepared to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon if necessary to push Hezbollah from the border with Israel.
Hezbollah has retaliated by firing rockets towards Israel, including at military bases. The escalating conflict has raised fears of all-out war, with Hezbollah vowing to continue its strikes in solidarity with Hamas.
The United States and other countries are working to present diplomatic solutions to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have halted patrols due to the intensity of the exchange of fire.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in ongoing hostilities. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
