{"id":24908,"date":"2024-09-25T06:25:51","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T03:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=24908"},"modified":"2024-09-25T06:25:53","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T03:25:53","slug":"israel-strikes-hezbollah-targets-inside-lebanon-killing-more-than-550-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/israel-strikes-hezbollah-targets-inside-lebanon-killing-more-than-550-people\/","title":{"rendered":"Israel strikes Hezbollah targets inside Lebanon killing more than 550 people"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

7 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israel has launched fresh airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on September 24, 2024. The strikes come amid a series of retaliatory rocket attacks from Hezbollah, further fueling fears that the region may be on the brink of a broader conflict that could engulf the entire Middle East.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest developments have raised alarm across the international community, with world leaders calling for urgent de-escalation. As Israel\u2019s military shifts its focus from Gaza to its northern front, the prospect of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah looms large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israeli military forces confirmed hitting dozens of Hezbollah targets overnight, following a massive wave of airstrikes that have reportedly killed over 550 Lebanese civilians. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee provided details of the recent operations, stating on a social media platform that \u201cwarplanes bombed Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including missile launchers, military buildings, and buildings where weapons were stored.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Israeli military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, underscored the need for continued action, saying, \u201cThe situation requires continued, intense action in all arenas,\u201d after assessing the ongoing conflict. Israel has been increasingly concerned about Hezbollah\u2019s activities on its northern border, where the Iran-backed group has been firing rockets in support of Hamas, which Israel has been battling in Gaza for nearly a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hezbollah, known for its sophisticated military capabilities and close ties with Iran, responded with retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets, including several military installations. The group claimed responsibility for bombing the logistical warehouses of Israel’s 146th Division at the Naftali military base, as well as targeting the Megiddo airfield and an explosives factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite Israel\u2019s advanced missile defense systems, Hezbollah\u2019s rocket attacks have managed to reach deep into Israeli territory, including northern cities such as Haifa and Afula. While many of the rockets were intercepted by Israel\u2019s Iron Dome, the growing frequency and intensity of the strikes are raising concerns that Hezbollah is prepared for a prolonged confrontation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Humanitarian crisis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is worsening by the day. Lebanese health authorities reported that the latest airstrikes alone resulted in 558 deaths, including 50 children and 94 women. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the wounded, as over 1,800 people have been injured, stretching Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system to its limits.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Cars<\/a>
Cars stuck in traffic in Sidon, southern Lebanon as they flee Israeli air strikes hitting places further south. (Image Credit: Mohammed Zaatari\/AP)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Speaking at a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon\u2019s Health Minister Firass Abiad described the dire conditions facing hospitals across the country. \u201cFifty-four hospitals are now treating patients, and many are struggling to cope with the sheer number of casualties,\u201d he said, calling for urgent international assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The World Health Organization (WHO) has echoed these concerns, warning that the country\u2019s healthcare infrastructure is on the verge of collapse. Meanwhile, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported that tens of thousands of people have already been displaced, with those numbers expected to climb rapidly as the conflict continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Global reactions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The escalation of violence has triggered a wave of international concern, with leaders across the globe urging both sides to pull back from the brink of all-out war. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need for diplomacy, stating, \u201cI believe that we can still find a path forward to get de-escalation between Israel and across that northern border between Israel and Lebanon and bring about a diplomatic solution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm over the rising civilian casualties, particularly in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. \u201cI am gravely alarmed by the escalating situation along the Blue Line,\u201d he said, referring to the UN-demarcated boundary between Lebanon and Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation in Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.

Lebanon is at the brink.

The people of Lebanon, the people of Israel and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.<\/p>— Ant\u00f3nio Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 24, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>