Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on 23 September 2024 killed 492 people, including more than 90 women and children. It was the deadliest attack since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
Israel had warned residents of southern and eastern parts of Lebanon to evacuate their homes ahead of its major airstrikes against Hezbollah.
Large number of people fleeing
Thousands of Lebanese people began fleeing the southern regions after receiving warnings of Israeli attacks. Long queues of cars formed on the main highway from Sidon to Beirut, presenting the picture of the largest exodus since 2006. Despite this exodus, there was heavy loss of life and property in Lebanon.
The Lebanese Health Ministry informed that 492 people, including 35 children and 58 women, were killed in the attacks, and 1,645 people were injured. This figure is also higher than the Beirut port explosion in 2020, which killed 218 people.
Netanyahu’s warning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recorded message urged Lebanese citizens to heed the Israeli army’s warnings. He said, “Take this warning seriously and get away from danger. You can safely return to your home after our operation is over.”
Israeli army operation
Israeli army spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagri, said the army was making every effort to remove Hezbollah from Israel’s border. In Monday’s air strikes, the Israeli army attacked 1,300 Hezbollah targets, destroying cruise missiles, rockets, and drones. Hagri said Hezbollah has fired more than 9,000 rockets and drones at Israel, with 250 attacks on Monday alone.
Hezbollah losses
The Israeli military claimed that Hezbollah suffered heavy losses in these air strikes. However, they did not clarify how long the operation would last, but the possibility of a ground attack was also not ruled out. The Israeli spokesperson said that Hezbollah had hidden its weapons in many residential areas, turning those areas into a war zone.
The situation in Lebanon has become very dire due to the Israeli attack. This conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated seriously, in which civilians are being affected the most. This attack has led to the most dangerous day since 2006, and this has worsened the already tense situation in Lebanon.
