Updated: September 24, 2024

Israel-Lebanon News Update: Israel carried out its largest airstrike against Hezbollah, killing nearly 500 people in southern Lebanon, amid escalating tensions in the region. This marks the deadliest attack since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2024.

Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed approximately 1,650 people were injured, with over 100 women and children among the casualties. The airstrikes targeted key Hezbollah strongholds as part of Israel’s effort to degrade the Iran-backed militant group’s military capabilities.

Why Did Israel Strike Hezbollah?

Hezbollah has been launching hundreds of rockets into northern Israel daily, in response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The escalation intensified after Israel killed senior Hezbollah commander Faud Shukr in July. Hezbollah’s latest retaliation came after a series of explosions across Lebanon that the group blamed on Israel’s Mossad.

Benjamin Netanyahu Warns of ‘Complicated Days’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military’s actions, saying, “We do not wait for the threat, we are ahead of it.” In a video message to the Lebanese people, he urged them to evacuate areas controlled by Hezbollah, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields. Netanyahu warned that the days ahead would be “complicated” but necessary for Israel’s defense.

International Reactions to Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the situation, urging both sides to seek diplomatic solutions.
• Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of “irreversible consequences” for the Middle East, while EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell cautioned that the region was on the brink of an “all-out war.”
• US President Joe Biden announced that the United States would work with its allies to prevent the conflict from escalating further.

Israel-Lebanon Conflict: What’s Next?

Despite the airstrikes, Israeli military officials have not indicated plans for a ground invasion of Lebanon. However, with no signs of de-escalation, the risk of further violence looms large, threatening to push the region into a broader conflict.

Key Updates on Israel-Lebanon Conflict:

• 500 killed in Israel’s largest airstrike on Hezbollah.
• Over 1,650 wounded in southern Lebanon, including women and children.
• Tensions escalate after Hezbollah’s retaliation for the death of its commander Faud Shukr.
• International concern grows as UN, US, EU, and Iran call for diplomatic solutions.
• No ground invasion planned, but Israeli airstrikes continue targeting Hezbollah.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Israel-Lebanon conflict, as the situation develops.

(With inputs from Reuters and AP)