Lebanon says Israeli airstrikes kill at least 356

On September 23, Israel launched extensive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah across Lebanon, killing 356 people and displacing tens of thousands, according to Lebanese authorities. This marked one of the deadliest days in Lebanon in decades. The strikes were part of a broader campaign as Israel shifted focus from its southern border with Gaza to the northern frontier, where Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been firing rockets into Israel in support of Hamas.

Lebanese officials, including Crisis Response Minister Nasser Yassin, reported the activation of 89 shelters to accommodate over 26,000 displaced civilians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Lebanese people, clarifying that Israel’s conflict was with Hezbollah, not the Lebanese population, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields.

Israel's military claimed it had hit over 1,100 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and northern regions, with over 650 strike missions in 24 hours. The targets reportedly included weapon storage sites, rockets, and UAV infrastructure. Lebanese health authorities confirmed 356 fatalities, including 24 children and 42 women, and more than 1,200 injuries. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the operation as a "significant peak" in the ongoing conflict, stating that the IDF had neutralized a substantial portion of Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal.

Hezbollah responded with missile attacks on northern Israel, and Israeli officials warned of further airstrikes, particularly targeting Hezbollah's strategic weapons stashes in the Bekaa Valley. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its campaign, and Hezbollah vows to continue fighting until there is a ceasefire in Gaza.