Over 550 killed in Israeli air strikes prompting mass exodus from southern Lebanon

Tens of thousands of people fled southern Lebanon as Israel intensified its aerial assault, resulting in the deadliest day in nearly two decades with nearly 500 people killed on Monday. The death toll rose to at least 558 by Tuesday, including children and women, with thousands injured. Israel expanded its attacks on Hezbollah after mounting hostilities, prompting warnings for residents to evacuate certain areas. Scenes of families fleeing and explosions fueled fears of a regional conflict. The situation was described as “almost in a full-fledged war” by the EU foreign policy chief. The Israeli military continued its strikes as part of “Operation Northern Arrows,” while Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, vowing to continue until Israel’s offensive in Gaza ends. Israel stated that a halt in fire from Hezbollah would not end the campaign, which aims to secure the safe return of Israelis to northern Israel and push Hezbollah back from the border. The military also aimed to destroy the group’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The situation remained extremely dangerous and worrying, with both sides escalating violence in the region.

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