Tue Sep 24 18:46:09 UTC 2024: ## Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates, Death Toll Surpasses 550 in Lebanon

**BEIRUT, LEBANON –** The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon has climbed to over 550, with thousands fleeing southern Lebanon as the two sides teeter on the brink of all-out war. Displaced families are seeking refuge in makeshift shelters in Beirut and Sidon, while many sleep in their cars or parks due to a lack of available accommodations.

The escalating conflict saw Israel launch hundreds of airstrikes on Monday, targeting Hezbollah militants and killing nearly 500 people, the deadliest day in Lebanon since the 2006 war. Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into northern Israel.

The U.S. has expressed concern about the escalating violence and is working with allies to find a way to de-escalate the situation. However, the Biden administration has refrained from commenting on whether the conflict has devolved into an all-out war, emphasizing that a “big war” would be detrimental to both Israel and Lebanon.

**Gaza Also Under Attack:** The Israeli military also carried out airstrikes in Gaza, killing at least 7 people in Khan Younis. The death toll in Gaza since the war began on October 7th has now surpassed 41,000.

**Global Response:** The United Arab Emirates has cancelled flights to Lebanon in response to the escalating conflict. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has restricted travel for American government employees in northern Israel, urging American citizens to leave the country.

**Concerns About Civilian Casualties:** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hezbollah of using Lebanese civilians as human shields, urging Lebanese citizens to move away from areas where Hezbollah stores weapons. However, the high number of civilian casualties raises serious concerns about the impact of the conflict on innocent lives.

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