Death toll nears 300 as Israel pounds Lebanon in fresh attacks
Nearly 300 people have been killed as the Israeli army launched more than 300 airstrikes in Lebanon since Monday morning, marking the heaviest bombardment since hostilities began on October 8 last year.
Fighter jets targeted regions and valleys between Ansar and Zrariyeh in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, as well as several other areas.
The affected locations include: Wa’ba, Jibchit, Sharqia, Al-Namiriyeh among several others.
Heavy airstrikes were also reported east of Tyre and the Litani River. The attacks have forced hundreds of people to flee their homes in Tyre and surrounding areas towards Sidon.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attacks, calling them “a scheme aimed at destroying Lebanese villages, towns, and eradicating all green spaces.” Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari warned that the army may target villages up to 80 kilometers from the border, citing Hezbollah’s plans to attack Israeli citizens.
The recent escalation follows a deadly airstrike on Friday that killed at least 45 people, including children and women, in Beirut’s southern suburb. Hezbollah confirmed the loss of 16 members, including senior leaders Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmed Wahbi.
Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border hostilities since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 41,400 people, mostly women and children, following a Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7 last year.
