BEIRUT, LEBANON – A devastating day of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon has left at least 492 people dead, including 35 children, and 1,645 wounded, according to the country’s Health Ministry. The attacks have sparked a fierce response from Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which fired a barrage of missiles at Israeli air bases.
The escalation of violence has prompted urgent calls for de-escalation from world leaders and the United Nations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Israel’s offensive on Lebanon could “drag the entire region into chaos.”
The Israeli military has continued its relentless assault on Gaza, killing at least 24 people over the past day, including a mother and her four children in central Deir el-Balah. The Gaza Strip has borne the brunt of Israel’s war, with at least 41,431 people killed and 95,818 injured.
In Israel, the death toll from Hamas-led attacks on October 7 stands at 1,139, with more than 200 people taken captive.
Hezbollah’s missile strikes targeted Israeli air bases in northern Israel, prompting sirens to sound across the region. The Israeli military has confirmed multiple missile strikes but has not reported any casualties.
The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating conflict. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged “all parties to exercise extreme restraint and to work towards a peaceful resolution.” The European Union has also called for an immediate ceasefire.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, has urged “all parties to avoid actions that could lead to further escalation.” However, Washington has stopped short of calling for a ceasefire.
As tensions continue to rise, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has accused Israel of “waging a war of aggression” against his country. Israel has maintained that its actions are aimed at combating terrorist organizations.
The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and Gaza continues to worsen, with thousands displaced and essential services severely disrupted.
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