Israel-Hezbollah War: 182 Killed In Israeli Airstrikes, Lebanese Govt Urges Citizens to Evacuate

Jerusalem: As many as 182 people have been killed and more than 700 others were wounded in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon in what would be the deadliest day in Lebanon in nearly a year of fighting against the Hezbollah militant group.

The ministry said that the preliminary toll included women and children.

The airstrikes hit wide areas in southern and northeastern Lebanon.

Israel Strikes More Than 300 Targets In Lebanon 

The Israeli military said it struck 300 targets in Lebanon as it steps up pressure against the Hezbollah militant group.

The army announced the strikes on the social media platform X, posting a photo of what is said was the military chief, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, approving additional attacks from military headquarters in Tel Aviv.

It's one of the most intense waves of airstrikes in nearly a year of conflict with Hezbollah. Israeli leaders, including Halevi, have vowed to take stronger measures against Hezbollah in the days ahead.

While these attacks were underway, Israeli authorities stated of multiple air-raid sirens in northern Israel, indicating incoming rocket fire from Lebanon.

Earlier on Monday, Israel urged residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes in regions where it alleges Hezbollah has weapon stockpiles, cautioning about “extensive strikes” planned in those areas.

Earlier last week, the United Nations Security Council convened for an emergency session on Friday after Israeli strikes hit the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and southern regions, resulting in at least a dozen fatalities. This meeting was prompted by an increase in cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as well as two days of lethal bombings aimed at members of the militant group. Significantly, the Israeli military conducted an airstrike in southern Beirut on Friday that killed senior Hezbollah military figure Ibrahim Aqil.

(With inputs from agencies)