Israeli airstrikes escalate in Lebanon: Over 100 dead, 400 injured

At least 100 people were killed and over 400 injured due to Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry in Beirut. The Israeli army reported that its air force struck over 300 Hezbollah targets.

The Israeli army announced early in the morning at 05:00 GMT that it had begun shelling areas where they believe Hezbollah has its bases. Local media reported explosions in the forested areas of southern Lebanon, including around the cities of Tyre, Marjayoun, Nabatiyeh, and the Bekaa Valley.

According to the health ministry in Beirut, around 100 people were killed, and over 400 were injured. This is the deadliest airstrike on Lebanon since the exchange of shelling between Hezbollah and Israel began in the autumn of 2023.

- The expanding Israeli aggression on Lebanon is a genocide in every sense of the word, the goal of which is to destroy Lebanese villages, - said Najib Mikati, the acting prime minister and president of Lebanon.

He called on the UN and other countries to "stand on the side of justice" and stop the aggression against Lebanon.

In recent days, the intensity and scope of the attacks have increased, reaching levels not seen in months. Fears are growing of a full-scale war breaking out.

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli armed forces warned that they would also bomb civilian homes where Hezbollah's weapons are stored and urged civilians to leave such places as soon as possible. This was the first warning of this kind during the nearly year-long exchange of strikes - noted the AP agency.