The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced on Monday that 492 people have been killed and at least 1,645 injured following a series of Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon.

The Health Ministry’s emergency center released a statement confirming the rising death toll as Israeli forces continued their bombardment of towns and villages across southern Lebanon. The strikes, which targeted areas in Sidon, Marjayoun, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, Tyre, Jezzine, and Zahrani, also extended to the Zahle, Baalbek, and Hermel districts in the eastern Bekaa Valley.

Lebanese authorities described the situation as dire, with continuous attacks devastating civilian areas and overwhelming emergency response efforts. The Ministry emphasized the urgent need for medical assistance, particularly in the south, where infrastructure has been severely damaged.

The escalation of violence has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, with civilian casualties mounting as Israeli airstrikes persist in Lebanon. (ILKHA)