Thousands fled southern Lebanon seeking refuge as Israel targeted numerous terror sites, resulting in at least 492 fatalities. Lebanese authorities reported that these target marked the deadliest day since the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah conflict.
Roads were congested with vehicles escaping the bombardment. Fighter jets struck locations hiding rockets, missiles, and drones. On Monday alone, over 1,600 injuries were reported, with thousands displaced and taking shelter in makeshift facilities in Beirut, which also faced attacks.
Neighbouring countries called for restraint, with Egypt halting flights to and from Beirut starting Tuesday. The FCDO advised Britons in Lebanon to leave while flights were available but did not order an evacuation.
492 Killed In Lebanon By Israeli Air Strikes – Lebanese Health Ministry
Tens of thousands of residents continued to flee the nation’s South as Israel claim they are hitting Hezbollah targets. pic.twitter.com/iKeLdaeqHS
— Avinash K S🇮🇳 (@AvinashKS14) September 24, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Lebanese citizens to heed warnings to evacuate. Israel launched another strike in Beirut, targeting a key Hezbollah figure, Ali Karaki, head of its Southern Front. Hezbollah, however, stated that Karaki was safe and had been relocated.
Hamas confirmed the death of its field commander in southern Lebanon, Mahmoud al Nader, in a strike. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed to have eliminated tens of thousands of rockets, including a Russian-made cruise missile hidden in a civilian home, as part of a proactive offensive operation.
Islamic extremists retaliated, firing over 200 rockets, including long-range missiles, hitting the West Bank. Israeli authorities instructed 500,000 children in the north to stay home, and the entire nation was put on alert. Images showed damage to homes in northern Israel, where the Iron Dome failed to intercept all rockets from Lebanon.
Lebanon says Israeli airstrikes kill at least 492, residents flee from south#rajbirmangat#rajbirsinghmangat#lebanonisrael #israelhezbollahlatestnews #israelhezbollah #middleeast pic.twitter.com/SXpLGl6WGK
— Rajbir Mangat (@rajbirmangat) September 24, 2024
Hezbollah began attacking northern Israel to support Hamas following the October 7 massacre of 1,200 Jews by the terror group. Hezbollah stated it would halt attacks only if Netanyahu agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas, but negotiations have failed, and military pressure continues.
Netanyahu warned Hezbollah that any attacks would be met with greater force. Israel reported targeting 800 terror sites, while the Lebanese health ministry recorded 492 deaths, including 35 children, by evening.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Israel’s actions as a “war of extermination” and called on the United Nations and influential countries to stop the aggression. The U.N. peacekeeping force expressed grave concern for civilian safety.
Thousands flee southern Lebanon as Israeli airstrikes hit over 1,000 Hezbollah targets, killing 492 and injuring over 1,200 people.
Special correspondent @AlexCrawfordSky reports from Southern Lebanon.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
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Traffic jams were seen as residents evacuated southern cities, including Sidon, towards Beirut. During talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, US President Joe Biden pledged efforts to prevent a wider war. Iran’s leader, Masoud Pezeshkian, warned of irreversible consequences if a larger conflict erupted, accusing Israel of seeking such a war.
IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that Israel does not seek wars but will do whatever necessary to ensure its security, following months of tension with Hezbollah.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NPR reports Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon kill over 350, injuring over 1,000, as conflict escalates with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, deepening humanitarian crisis. (Read more)
- NBC News reports on escalating Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, killing nearly 500 and wounding 1650, with a warning to civilians to evacuate areas near Hezbollah positions. (Read more)
- Al Jazeera reports on Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, highlighting 492 deaths, including 35 children, and global calls for restraint as the region faces escalating violence and potential turmoil. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are people fleeing southern Lebanon?
People are fleeing due to heavy Israeli bombardment targeting terror sites, leading to deaths, injuries, and displacement.
How many people have been killed in the recent attacks in Lebanon?
At least 492 people have been killed in the recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
What is the situation in Beirut during the attacks?
Beirut is under fire, with thousands displaced, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters, and the Lebanese government reporting over 1,600 injuries.
What is Israel’s reason for the strikes on Lebanon?
Israel claims the strikes are targeting terror sites, including rockets and missiles hidden in civilian areas, as a proactive offensive operation.
What are the international responses to the conflict?
Lebanon’s neighbors urged restraint, Egypt halted flights to Beirut, and the U.N. expressed grave concern for civilian safety.
