Israeli Airstrikes Kill At Least 52 in Lebanon, Lebanese Government Bans Hezbollah Military Activities

At least 52 people were killed across Lebanon on Monday following a series of Israeli airstrikes, according to official statements. The attacks targeted Beirut's southern suburbs and several towns in southern Lebanon, areas described as strongholds of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

Lebanese authorities reported that 154 people were wounded in the strikes. Earlier figures from the health ministry had indicated 31 fatalities and 149 injuries, but the toll was later updated by the government. The bombings have triggered a mass exodus from affected areas, with residents fleeing in anticipation of further violence.

The escalation followed a retaliatory strike by Hezbollah in response to the US-Israeli assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the aftermath, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for several towns, signaling the possibility of additional strikes. Israeli officials stated their intention to intensify military operations in Lebanon and declared that Hezbollah would pay a "heavy price" for its actions.

In response to the attacks, the Lebanese government announced a ban on Hezbollah's military activities. This move comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing hostilities in the region.

"Monday’s attacks marked a brutal escalation of hostilities following a retaliatory strike by the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah for the US-Israeli assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei," sources reported.

The situation remains volatile, with further military action possible as both sides exchange threats and warnings. The full impact of the strikes and subsequent government measures is still unfolding, as authorities continue to assess the damage and respond to the humanitarian needs of those affected.