By Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people in Lebanon on Sunday, including 24 in a single attack on two buildings near Sidon, as tensions escalated following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported.
The strikes on Ain al-Delb, east of Sidon, were captured on video verified by The Associated Press. Footage showed one strike causing a massive plume of smoke, followed by a second strike that caused an adjacent building to sway and collapse.
In a separate incident, the Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes in the northern Baalbek Hermel province killed 21 people and injured at least 47.
These attacks come in the wake of Friday’s airstrike in Beirut that killed Nasrallah, dealing a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership. Israel has intensified its military campaign against the Iran-backed group, killing several top commanders in recent days.
“We’ve lost the leader who gave us strength and faith,” said Sophia Blanche Rouillard, a Lebanese Christian woman in Beirut, reflecting the sentiment of Nasrallah’s supporters.
The escalating conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war. Israel’s Defense Minister is discussing expanding the offensive, while Hezbollah has vowed to continue rocket attacks into Israel until the Gaza offensive ends.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that over 1,000 Lebanese have been killed and 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks, with a million people displaced. The ministry did not specify how many casualties were civilians.
The United Nations World Food Program has initiated an emergency operation to provide food for those affected by the conflict.
Israel’s military reported striking dozens of targets, including launchers and weapons stores, while its navy intercepted projectiles from Lebanon and the Red Sea.
Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue, with the United States urging a peaceful resolution. “We believe that a diplomatic path is the right course,” said White House national security spokesperson John Kirby.
Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer, called for a UN Security Council meeting on Israel’s actions. Sources told Reuters that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was moved to a secure location following Nasrallah’s death.
