Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Leave Dozens Dead, Hundreds Injured Amid Escalating Conflict

Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Leave Dozens Dead, Hundreds Injured Amid Escalating Conflict
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Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health says recent Israeli airstrikes across the country have resulted in hundreds of casualties as fighting intensifies between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

According to ministry figures cited by local officials, at least 40 people were killed and 246 others injured during Israeli raids carried out over two days earlier this week, bringing the total number of dead and wounded to around 286. Authorities said an earlier announcement reporting 52 deaths was issued in error due to a technical mistake.

Subsequent updates from Lebanese officials indicate the toll has continued to rise as airstrikes expand across the country. By March 4–5, the number of casualties from the latest escalation had climbed to about 72 people killed and more than 430 injured, following hundreds of Israeli strikes targeting locations in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The violence has triggered large-scale displacement. The United Nations refugee agency reported that tens of thousands of residents fled their homes after Israel issued evacuation warnings for dozens of villages in southern Lebanon. Many displaced families have taken shelter in temporary centers or vehicles along roads.

Israel says the airstrikes are aimed at Hezbollah positions following rocket and drone attacks launched from Lebanon into northern Israel, marking a sharp escalation in cross-border hostilities.

The clashes come amid wider regional tensions and have raised concerns among international organizations about the growing humanitarian impact on civilians in Lebanon.