Tue Sep 24 17:37:19 UTC 2024: ## Israeli Strikes on Lebanon: Death Toll Rises to 558, Hizbullah Commander Killed
**BEIRUT, LEBANON** – The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon has risen to 558, according to Lebanon’s health minister. The number of wounded has also increased to 1,835, with nearly 50 children and 94 women among the fatalities.
Meanwhile, a Hizbullah commander, Ibrahim Kubaissi, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, as confirmed by both the Israeli military and Lebanese security sources. This comes after another Hizbullah commander, Ibrahim Aqeel, was killed in a previous strike.
“The health sector needs our support. We hope that the situation will not get worse in the future,” said Lebanon’s health minister Firas Abiad, adding that four health workers were also killed in the Israeli airstrikes.
In a press conference, Israeli Prime Minister’s spokesperson David Menzer stated that Israel is actively evacuating its citizens via text messages, phone calls, radio broadcasts, and websites, urging Lebanon to take this seriously. He accused Hizbullah of committing double war crimes by hiding weapons in civilian areas and targeting Israeli civilians.
The conflict between Israel and Hizbullah has a long history spanning decades. Following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in the 1980s to eliminate the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Hizbullah emerged as a formidable opponent. It was formed by Shi’a Islamist militants with Iranian support to challenge Israel’s presence in the region. This rivalry has intensified over the years, resulting in numerous clashes and casualties.
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