Israel launched a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Monday, deploying 100 aircraft to hit around 120 Hezbollah-related targets in an hour, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), The Guardian reports.
This operation, coinciding with the anniversary of last year’s Hamas attacks, aims at weakening Hezbollah’s capabilities. The IDF warned Lebanese civilians to avoid coastal areas and designated a new closed military zone in northern Israel. Additionally, Israeli ground operations expanded into Lebanon with additional divisions joining the fight. Hamas launched rockets from Gaza, reaffirming its commitment to a prolonged conflict against Israel, while Hezbollah retaliated with missile strikes at Israel, which were intercepted by Israeli defenses.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including at least 1,400 Lebanese deaths and the displacement of 1.2 million people. The situation raised fears of broader regional escalation, prompting the UK to withdraw family members of its diplomatic staff in Israel. Iran reiterated that it would respond to any Israeli attacks on its territory.
