Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut’s southern suburbs, amid the ongoing Israeli war. AFP
Israeli forces launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon, including areas such as Al-Bayada and the outskirts of Beirut.
The Lebanese Army reported one soldier killed and 18 others injured in an Israeli attack on a post in Al-Amariyeh, Tyre district.
In retaliation, Israel's Army reported that Hezbollah fired more than 250 rockets into northern and central Israel, with projectiles striking Haifa and Tel Aviv. Israeli media reported at least ten injuries.
"There were 250 launches from Lebanon today," the military said in a statement. It said the highest number of projectiles, 350, was recorded on 24 September 2024, a few days before Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah's military media stated destroying two Israeli Merkava tanks near Deir Mimas and Al-Bayada resulted in casualties. The group also confirmed drone attacks on Ashdod Naval Base in southern Israel.
Sunday marked one of the most intense days of rocket fire from Lebanon, with 541 alerts sounded, according to Israel's Home Front Command.
This is the highest number of sirens triggered since the war began, except for the day following the assassination of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.
Rising humanitarian toll
Lebanon's health ministry reported that the conflict's death toll since 8 October 2023, has risen to 3,754, with over 15,626 injured.
In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli strikes resulted in 84 deaths and 213 injuries.
Infrastructure damage has left many displaced, with limited access to essential services as winter conditions worsen. Aid organizations warn of an unfolding humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon.
Beirut vs Tel Aviv
Hezbollah reiterated its stance, warning Israel that strikes on Beirut would be met with strikes on Tel Aviv. The message was accompanied by a photo reading "Beirut versus Tel Aviv."
Meanwhile, Israel issued new evacuation warnings targeting Beirut's southern suburbs, including Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik, threatening intensified strikes.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, meeting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Beirut, called for an immediate de-escalation. "We must ensure that both sides halt their destructive actions," Borrell said on X, emphasizing that the continued destruction must end.
The war has left southern Lebanon reeling, with entire villages destroyed and residents enduring heavy bombardments. Israeli strikes have "erased 37 entire villages," according to Borrell, while Hezbollah's continued rocket attacks have inflicted significant damage in Israeli communities.
The situation remains precarious, with no signs of de-escalation despite international appeals for a ceasefire.
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