Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Managing Editor| investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

At least 394 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, including 83 children and 42 women, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, as Israel intensifies its military campaign and expands strikes to areas of central Beirut. Arab News +1 Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine confirmed the updated casualty figures during a press briefing, stating that more than 1,130 people have also been wounded since the escalation began earlier in the week. Xinhua civilian toll mounts amid intensifying Air campaign officials say several of the dead were civilians caught in air raids that struck residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure in southern and eastern Lebanon. The health ministry reported that the victims include dozens of children and women, underscoring the humanitarian cost of the rapidly escalating conflict. Xinhua +1 Authorities also confirmed that nine rescue workers and paramedics were killed while responding to earlier attacks, raising concerns about the safety of emergency responders operating in active strike zones. Some hospitals and medical facilities have reportedly been damaged or forced to suspend operations due to the ongoing bombardment. Xinhua +1 Israel expands operations toward Beirut Israeli forces have broadened their operations beyond southern Lebanon, conducting strikes in central Beirut, a move that signals a significant escalation in the confrontation between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Reuters Israeli officials say the operations are aimed at targeting Hezbollah positions and Iranian-linked operatives believed to be coordinating attacks against Israel. The Israeli military claims it has eliminated dozens of militants since hostilities resumed, while warning that operations may continue if cross-border attacks persist. Reuters regional conflict driving escalationthe escalation follows renewed hostilities after Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel earlier in the week, marking the group’s first major attack since a ceasefire reached in late 2024. Israel responded with what it described as a broad military offensive targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Xinhua the conflict is unfolding within a broader regional confrontation involving Israel, Iran, and allied militant groups across the Middle East. Analysts warn that continued escalation could draw additional actors into the conflict and deepen instability across the region. The guardian growing international concern international observers and humanitarian agencies have raised alarm over the rising civilian toll and the impact on critical infrastructure, including hospitals and emergency services. Calls for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement have intensified as the conflict risks spiraling into a wider regional war. As airstrikes continue and tensions remain high, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is expected to worsen, with displacement and civilian casualties likely to rise if hostilities persist. Sources: Reuters; Associated Press (AP); Arab News; Xinhua; The Journal; The Guardian; Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Afilawos Magana Sur

Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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