Cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on Tuesday (24 September) as Israel’s air force launched more strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah responded with rocket fire. The previous day’s strikes, on Monday (23 September), resulted in the deadliest day of conflict in Lebanon since its civil war, with at least 492 people killed and 1,645 wounded, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Among the victims were 35 children and 58 women.
As world leaders worked to de-escalate the situation, the Israeli military urged residents in areas linked to Hezbollah operations, particularly in eastern Lebanon, to evacuate. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a recorded message, urging civilians to take evacuation warnings seriously to avoid harm.
Netanyahu emphasized the temporary nature of the military operations, assuring civilians they could return once it was safe. Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, stated that the airstrikes had dealt significant damage to Hezbollah but did not specify a timeline for the operation. He also warned that a ground invasion of Lebanon remains a possibility if necessary to eliminate the threat Hezbollah poses to Israel’s northern border.
This escalation has deepened fears of a wider regional conflict, with both sides exchanging heavy fire as international efforts to broker peace continue.
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