Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates with Deadliest Day in Decades

Israel launched airstrikes against numerous Hezbollah targets, resulting in 356 fatalities and mass evacuations. The strikes mark the deadliest day in Lebanon for decades. Israeli authorities have advised Lebanese civilians to leave areas suspected of storing weapons. Hezbollah vows to continue fighting unless there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes targeted hundreds of Hezbollah locations on Monday, killing 356 people and causing tens of thousands to flee in what authorities call Lebanon's deadliest day in decades. Following heavy exchanges of fire, Israel advised Lebanese civilians to evacuate areas where they believe Hezbollah is storing weapons.

Nasser Yassin, Lebanon's crisis response minister, told Reuters that 89 temporary shelters in schools and other sites had been activated for over 26,000 people fleeing the violence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's conflict is with Hezbollah, not the Lebanese people, accusing the militant group of using civilians as human shields.

Israel's military reported striking Hezbollah targets across southern, eastern, and northern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 356 fatalities, including 24 children and 42 women, and over 1,200 injuries. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Monday represented a significant peak in the year-long conflict.