Deadly Escalation in Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Over 274 Dead in Latest Strikes.

Lebanon:

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports at least 274 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries following intense Israeli airstrikes, marking the deadliest day of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in over a year.

In response to escalating tensions, Israel has announced it is “broadening” its military operations against Hezbollah, issuing warnings to southern Lebanese citizens to evacuate areas associated with the Iran-backed group. Lebanese Prime Minister has condemned these actions as “a war of extermination,” while Israel’s Defense Minister vowed to continue operations until northern residents can safely return home.

Fears of a wider regional conflict are mounting, driven by a surge in cross-border attacks and a series of explosive incidents targeting Hezbollah members, which Israel is widely blamed for. Israeli Foreign Secretary Israel Katz has accused Hezbollah of using civilian homes for missile storage, urging nearby residents to evacuate for their safety.

The Israeli military reports that over one million civilians in and around Haifa are currently seeking refuge in bomb shelters due to ongoing rocket fire from Hezbollah.