Escalating Violence: Thousands Flee as Israel Intensifies Airstrikes in Lebanon
On Monday, Israeli airstrikes targeting southern and eastern Lebanon resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, with nearly 500 reported deaths, including 35 children, and over 1,600 injuries, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The aftermath has led to a mass exodus, as thousands of residents abandon their homes in search of safety.
The six-lane coastal highway leading to Beirut witnessed severe traffic jams as city dwellers left for regions deemed safer. Striking images emerged of families hurriedly packing their belongings, with cars laden with luggage, while others trekked along the beach in Tyre, escaping the chaos of airstrikes that filled the sky with plumes of smoke.
In an evening message aimed at the Lebanese people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's conflict is not with Lebanon but with Hezbollah, the militant group allied with Hamas. However, the Israeli bombings have been concentrated in densely populated urban areas, raising concerns about the high civilian toll.
As tensions escalated, the Lebanese government attempted to mitigate the crisis by ordering the closure of public and private schools in Beirut, Tripoli, and eastern cities while repurposing some schools as shelters for the displaced. Hospitals were also instructed to prepare for an influx of casualties by cancelling non-urgent procedures.
The situation took another turn when alerts were sent to residents in Beirut, including areas like Hamra, which are not known for Hezbollah strongholds. This sparked accusations from Lebanese officials, such as Information Minister Ziad Makary, who condemned the alerts as a tactic of psychological warfare by Israel.
Earlier in the day, Israeli air force spokesman Avichay Adraee issued orders for residents in northern Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley to evacuate as Israel anticipated further operations against Hezbollah.
The armed conflict has intensified recently, stemming from Israel’s detonation of electronic devices belonging to Hezbollah, leading to casualties on both sides and resulting in Hezbollah launching approximately 150 missiles into northern Israel. Israeli military authorities stated that their strategy does not currently include a ground invasion but focuses on continuing airstrikes.
The unrest underscores the fragility of the situation in Lebanon amid a growing humanitarian crisis and casts a long shadow over the region, igniting fears for the future as communities are thrust into instability and uncertainty.
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