Lagatar24 Desk
Beirut: Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday led to the deaths of over 100 people, according to the Lebanese health ministry, sparking fears of an expanding conflict in the Middle East. Israel also launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, widening the scope of the regional conflict.
105 Killed in Lebanese Strikes
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that 105 people were killed and 359 were injured following Israel’s air raids on Sunday. The strikes hit various regions, including the south, the east, and the capital Beirut, with multiple fatalities near the southern city of Sidon.
First Israeli Strikes on Central Beirut
For the first time since the Gaza war began, witnesses reported Israeli airstrikes in central Beirut. A multi-story residential building was hit, with videos showing ambulances and emergency crews gathering at the site.
Hezbollah Leaders Targeted
Hezbollah confirmed that Israel killed Nabil Kaouk, deputy head of its Central Council, on Sunday, making him the seventh senior commander lost in a week. Another commander, Ali Karaki, was also killed on Friday in the same strike that claimed the life of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Civilian Casualties in Bekaa Region
The Lebanese media reported dozens of strikes in central, eastern, and western Bekaa, where civilians were reportedly targeted. The health ministry stated that 14 medics were killed in southern Lebanon over two days of bombings.
Hezbollah Escalates Attacks
In response to the increasing hostilities, Hezbollah ramped up its attacks, causing damage and injuring several people. However, most of their missiles were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems.
Israel Strikes Houthis in Yemen
The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it had bombed Houthi targets in Yemen, striking power plants and sea-port facilities in Hodeida. This was a retaliation for the Houthis’ ballistic missile attack on Ben Gurion airport on Saturday.
Global Reactions
US President Joe Biden warned against the escalation of a full-scale war in the Middle East, stating that he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation.
Hezbollah’s Command Structure “Wiped Out”
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby noted that Israel’s strikes had decimated Hezbollah’s command structure but warned that the group would quickly work to rebuild it. He also commented on Nasrallah’s death, saying the world would be safer without him.
Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon
The ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, with over 1,030 deaths, including 156 women and 87 children. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, with 250,000 staying in shelters and others seeking refuge with relatives.
Middle East Conflict Origins
The war traces its roots to October 7 last year, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,205 civilians and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have since claimed 41,595 lives in Gaza, most of them civilians, as per the Hamas-run health ministry.
