182 killed, 727 injured in Lebanon in fiercest Israeli bombardment since October 8

Beirut (Quds News Network)- Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 182 people, including women, children, and medics, were killed and 727 injured in southern Lebanon following heavy Israeli airstrikes since Monday morning.

Lebanese Education Minister Abbas Halabi announced the closure of all schools and universities across the country on Tuesday. The authorities have also decided to open educational institutions as shelters for those displaced by the heaviest Israeli bombing on southern Lebanon since October 8, 2023.

Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson revealed that the Israeli army is preparing to launch deeper strikes into the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, following more than 300 air raids on southern Lebanon since the morning. The spokesperson described the assault as a “preemptive strike” in response to expected movements by Hezbollah to target Israel.

The strikes have hit several towns, including Mais al-Jabal, Ayta ash-Shab, Houla, Taybeh, Marjayoun, Bint Jbeil, and Nabatieh, as well as the Jabal Rihan and Iqlim al-Tuffah regions in southern Lebanon. Additionally, airstrikes were reported around Shaara, Harbata, Hermel, and near Shmustar, Tariya, and Budai in eastern Lebanon.

According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli army targeted over 400 sites across Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah leaders.

Hezbollah retaliates

In retaliation, Hezbollah launched a major rocket salvo from southern Lebanon targeting northern Israel. According to the party, they struck the northern command’s reserve headquarters and a key reserve base for the Galilee Division at the Amiad military base. Hezbollah also reported targeting military industry complexes belonging to the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in the Zvulun region, north of Haifa, with dozens of rockets.

Israeli media reported that rockets from Lebanon hit the occupied Upper Galilee and the Nazareth area, with Israel Hayom noting that one Israeli was injured in the occupied Upper Galilee. Additionally, the Israeli army confirmed that five Israelis were wounded by a rocket near Golani Junction in the Lower Galilee.

In response to the attacks, Ziv Medical Center in Tiberias relocated some patients to fortified areas and transferred others to various hospitals following updated directives from the Home Front Command issued on Sunday.