Israel escalated its military offensive on Monday, launching a significant wave of airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that 100 aircraft were involved, targeting approximately 120 sites within an hour. This comes amid a broader expansion of Israeli military operations on several fronts.
An IDF spokesperson issued an urgent warning to civilians along the Lebanese coast, advising them to stay away from beaches and boats from the Awali River southwards. The strikes coincide with the anniversary of the 7 October attacks by Hamas, which marked the beginning of a year of escalating conflict in the region.
According to the IDF, the targets included key Hezbollah infrastructure, including missile, rocket, and intelligence units. The military’s aim is to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities as Israeli ground forces continue their operations.
As Israel expands its ground operations, with a third division joining the conflict in Lebanon, violence has surged on multiple fronts. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, retaliated with missile strikes, while Hamas in Gaza launched rockets in defiance of Israeli forces. Despite heavy losses over the past year, Hamas has vowed to continue its "long and painful war of attrition."
Meanwhile, fears of a broader regional escalation loom large, especially after Israel promised significant retaliation for Iran’s recent missile attacks. Hezbollah’s missile attacks, along with strikes from Houthi militants in Yemen, underscore the growing involvement of Iran-allied proxies across the Middle East.
Israeli operations have increasingly targeted Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, resulting in over 1,400 Lebanese casualties, including civilians and medics. Israeli forces aim to secure the blue line boundary between the two nations, forcing Hezbollah out of the region and enabling the return of displaced Israeli citizens.
Tensions have also escalated in Gaza, where Israeli forces advanced into the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp. Israeli tanks have surrounded the camp, and residents were warned to evacuate as the area was declared a “dangerous combat zone”.
