Beirut, September 2024 – The ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalated dramatically on Monday, with Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killing 492 people, including women and children. The strikes, which represent the deadliest day of violence between the two sides since the 2006 war, left southern Lebanon reeling under widespread devastation. Among the dead were 58 women and 35 children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
The airstrikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to the Lebanese population, urging them to evacuate areas where Hezbollah militants were believed to be operating. Thousands of residents have fled their homes, primarily from southern Lebanon, in response to Israel’s intensified military actions.
Warnings Issued Ahead of Strikes
Before the Israeli strikes, PM Netanyahu made a public appeal to Lebanese civilians, urging them to heed warnings from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and evacuate to avoid being caught in the crossfire. In a recorded message, Netanyahu stated, “Israel’s war is not with you. It’s with Hezbollah. For too long, Hezbollah has used you as human shields. Please, get out of harm’s way now.” His warning highlighted the dangers of Hezbollah’s military operations, which have been closely intertwined with civilian areas.
Despite the warnings, the airstrikes resulted in a high civilian death toll. According to Lebanese authorities, 492 people were killed in the strikes, including many who were unable to evacuate in time. In addition to the fatalities, over 1,600 people were reported injured, overwhelming hospitals and emergency services in the region.
Israeli Military Operations Target Hezbollah
The Israeli military has been conducting a wide range of air and ground operations in response to Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks on Israel. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli military, emphasized that Israel’s primary goal is to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, which is deeply embedded within civilian areas. Hagari claimed that the strikes on Monday targeted over 1,300 Hezbollah sites, including weapons caches, missile launchers, and drones, many of which were hidden in residential neighborhoods.
“Hezbollah has turned southern Lebanon into a war zone,” Hagari said during a press conference. He noted that Hezbollah had launched more than 9,000 rockets and drones into Israel since the conflict escalated in October, including 250 on Monday alone. The airstrikes, according to the Israeli military, were aimed at neutralizing these threats to Israeli cities.
The 492 killed in Israeli strikes 2024 marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with the strikes destroying cruise missiles and long-range rockets capable of striking deep into Israeli territory.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
As the death toll rises, Lebanon is grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis. Thousands of families have been displaced, with many fleeing from southern towns like Sidon and Tyre toward the capital, Beirut. The main highway leading out of southern Lebanon was jammed with vehicles as residents tried to escape the escalating violence.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the strikes left large areas in ruins, exacerbating the already strained public services. Emergency response teams have been struggling to provide adequate care for the wounded, while efforts to clear rubble and search for survivors continue in heavily hit areas. The 492 killed in Israeli strikes 2024 have drawn international concern, with humanitarian organizations calling for an immediate ceasefire to allow aid to reach those affected by the conflict.
International Reactions
The airstrikes that left 492 people dead in Lebanon have sparked international outrage, with calls for both sides to de-escalate the conflict. Global leaders, including those from the United Nations, have urged Israel and Hezbollah to seek diplomatic solutions. The UN is currently assessing the situation to determine the best course of action to mitigate further civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, Israel has defended its actions, stating that Hezbollah’s use of civilian areas to hide weapons and launch attacks on Israel has forced its hand. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel is not seeking war with Lebanon, but emphasized that the country would do “whatever is necessary” to defend itself from Hezbollah’s continued aggression.
Potential for Ground Invasion
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, speculation is mounting about the possibility of a ground invasion. Rear Admiral Hagari indicated that while airstrikes have significantly weakened Hezbollah, the IDF is prepared to launch a ground operation if deemed necessary.
“We are not looking for wars. We are looking to take down the threats,” Hagari said. “We will do whatever is necessary to achieve this mission.” While the focus remains on airstrikes, Israel has made it clear that a ground invasion is not off the table if Hezbollah’s rocket attacks continue.
Conclusion
The 492 killed in Israeli strikes 2024 represent one of the most devastating single-day tolls in the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the prospects for peace remain uncertain, with both sides preparing for further escalation. With thousands of civilians displaced and hundreds dead, the need for international intervention and a ceasefire has never been more urgent. For now, the region remains on edge as the conflict shows no sign of abating.
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