Israel has launched airstrikes on Hizbullah positions in southern Lebanon, marking a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the region.
This action follows a series of retaliatory attacks by the Iran-backed group, which targeted military facilities in northern Israel, raising concerns of a full-blown conflict.
The Israeli military reported striking dozens of Hizbullah targets overnight, a day after conducting airstrikes that resulted in nearly 558 fatalities in Lebanon, including 50 children and 94 women, with approximately 1,835 others wounded. Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes in search of safety.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed, “Warplanes bombed Hizbullah targets in southern Lebanon, including missile launchers and military buildings.” Hizbullah responded by claiming responsibility for attacking various Israeli military targets, including an explosives factory 60 kilometers inside Israel and the Megiddo airfield, which was struck three times in recent hours.
As Israel shifts its military focus to the north, it faces ongoing rocket fire from Hizbullah in support of Hamas, with whom Israel has been engaged in conflict on its southern border for nearly a year.
The violence has disrupted air travel, leading to the cancellation of more than 30 international flights to and from Beirut, including those operated by Qatar Airways and Turkish Airways. Hospitals in Lebanon are struggling to manage the influx of casualties, while Haifa’s main hospital has relocated operations underground following attacks on the Israeli city.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, with human rights chief Volker Turk calling on influential states to prevent further escalation. Turk’s spokesperson raised serious questions about Israel’s military tactics, emphasizing that while warnings were issued, striking areas still poses a significant risk to civilians.
Russia has warned that Israeli airstrikes could destabilize the entire Middle East, heightening fears of a broader conflict that could draw in regional powers, including the United States and Iran.
The recent hostilities come on the heels of a severe security breach within Hizbullah, which has reportedly led to heavy losses for the group. Israel’s military, known for its advanced technology and intelligence capabilities, claims to have intercepted the majority of projectiles launched during the latest round of conflict.
The foreign ministers of the G7 nations have cautioned that the Middle East is at risk of being drawn into a larger conflict that would yield no benefits for any country involved. The ongoing violence has created panic, as families in southern Lebanon flee north, leading to gridlock on major highways.
NThe situation remains fluid, with both sides actively engaging in military operations that threaten to escalate into a broader and more devastating conflict. M10News will continue to monitor developments in this unfolding crisis.
