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At least 492 people have been killed in heavy Israeli air strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to the country’s health ministry. This is the deadliest day of conflict there in almost 20 years.
Thousands of families have fled their homes as the Israeli military claims it hit 1,600 Hezbollah targets to destroy infrastructure built since the 2006 war.
Hezbollah responded by firing over 200 rockets into northern Israel, injuring two people from shrapnel, according to paramedics.
World leaders are urging both sides to show restraint as tensions rise towards possible all-out war.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that among the dead are 35 children and 58 women, with 1,645 others injured. They did not specify how many casualties were civilians or fighters. Health Minister Firass Abiad noted that thousands of families have been displaced by the strikes.
UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern about the situation, saying he doesn’t want Lebanon to “become another Gaza.” EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell called the escalation “extremely dangerous” and said it feels like we are on the brink of full-scale war.
President Joe Biden stated that the US is trying to ease tensions so people can return home safely. The Pentagon announced it is sending “a small number” of additional troops to the Middle East as a precaution.
Nearly a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, linked to the war in Gaza, has resulted in hundreds of deaths, mostly Hezbollah fighters, and displaced many on both sides. Hezbollah claims it is supporting Hamas and will continue until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. Both groups are backed by Iran and labeled as terrorist organizations by Israel, the UK, and others.
The Pentagon confirmed the deployment of additional US troops due to the rising tensions, but did not provide further details. Early Tuesday, the Israeli Defense Forces reported detecting 20 rocket launches from Lebanon overnight, with some intercepted and others landing in open areas. Israeli aircraft targeted the sources of the fire.