Mon Sep 23 14:08:17 UTC 2024: ## Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates: Hundreds Killed in Lebanon
**BEIRUT** – A wave of Israeli airstrikes on Monday killed nearly 500 people, largely in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese health authorities, marking the most intense campaign against Hezbollah since the 2006 war.
The escalating conflict, fueled by tensions in Gaza, has seen Israel and Hezbollah engage in a back-and-forth exchange of attacks across the border. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militia, claims it is supporting Palestinians and Hamas in Gaza, while Israel argues it is preventing a repeat of the October 7 attack in southern Israel.
Israeli forces have targeted over 1,300 Hezbollah sites, destroying missiles, rockets, drones, and other weaponry. The strikes have reached deep into Lebanese territory, damaging buildings in populated areas as well as the Bekaa Valley.
Hezbollah retaliated with hundreds of rockets fired into Israel, following a series of explosions last week that killed dozens and injured thousands of its members in Lebanon and Syria. While Israel has not publicly acknowledged responsibility, a U.S. official confirmed that Israel notified Washington of the attacks.
The violence has prompted a mass exodus from southern Lebanon, with residents fleeing towards safer areas. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities ordered evacuations in border communities on their side.
International leaders have called for a de-escalation of the conflict, including the UN, Egypt, and Turkey, expressing concerns for civilian safety and urging a diplomatic solution.
President Biden has stated that he and other world leaders are working towards de-escalation and ensuring the safe return of displaced populations. The Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional military personnel to the region as a precautionary measure, while also reiterating support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
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