Israel intensifies airstrikes against Hezbollah, 100 killed in Lebanon | VIDEO

New Delhi: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, resulting in over 100 fatalities and more than 400 injuries. The victims include women, children, and medics. These attacks mark a significant intensification in Israel’s 11-month conflict with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Widespread evacuation calls as tensions soar

The IDF issued warnings urging civilians in Lebanon to evacuate areas where Hezbollah allegedly stores weapons. According to Lebanese officials, the country received over 80,000 calls from suspected Israeli sources urging people to flee their homes. Imad Kreidieh, head of the Lebanese telecom company Ogero, referred to these calls as “psychological warfare designed to create chaos,” according to a Reuters report.

Israel's evacuation orders come as it intensifies military action in the region, signaling preparations for what could become an all-out war. The escalation follows a series of covert operations and strikes, including a rare attack on Beirut that reportedly targeted senior Hezbollah commanders.

Israeli strikes target Hezbollah strongholds

The IDF released a map indicating 17 villages and towns in southern Lebanon, though it did not specify which areas would be hit. “We advise civilians from Lebanese villages near Hezbollah military sites to evacuate immediately for their safety,” said an official IDF statement. This latest strike is part of Israel's broader efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure.

In addition to the airstrikes, Israel recently targeted Hezbollah’s communication networks. A strike last week destroyed a meeting place for senior Hezbollah commanders, and thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah were also obliterated in attacks coordinated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

Netanyahu issues stern warning to Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained defiant, stating that Israel’s military actions have crippled Hezbollah in ways “it could not imagine.” He further warned, “If Hezbollah hasn’t understood the message, it soon will,” in comments reported by Reuters.