182 dead, over 700 injured as Israel strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israel has escalated its military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, leading to at least 182 fatalities and over 700 injuries, including civilians, children, and medical workers. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed the casualties, while reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple areas. Civilians were urged to leave their homes, as Israel accused Hezbollah of storing weapons in residential buildings. The conflict, ongoing for 11 months, seems to be approaching a more dangerous phase.

In a move that deepened concerns, Lebanon reported that over 80,000 calls were made from suspected Israeli numbers, asking people to evacuate. Imad Kreidieh, the head of Lebanon’s telecom company Ogero, called this “psychological warfare,” designed to create fear and disarray among the population. Meanwhile, Israel has been ramping up strikes, intensifying tensions between the two sides.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that the conflict could soon worsen, stating that Israel is determined to shift the balance of power in the northern region. Netanyahu warned that there would be "complicated days ahead," further indicating the likelihood of increased military action. This raises fears of a more severe escalation between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

As the situation deteriorates, international observers are closely watching for potential spillover effects into neighboring countries. The ongoing airstrikes and calls for evacuation indicate that both sides may be preparing for an extended period of conflict. While Israel’s aggressive stance appears to be focused on weakening Hezbollah, the cost to human lives is already high, and the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon worsens with each passing day.