Israel strikes more than 300 Hezbollah targets, 492 killed, over 1600 injured

Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon, killing 492 people, including 21 children, and injuring 1600 others in air raids on towns and villages, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Israel has bombarded several areas in Lebanon and warned of further significant strikes in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon’s northeast, which are reportedly now underway.

The Israel Defence Forces warned people to immediately leave the homes and other buildings where the Iran-backed Hezbollah has allegedly stored weapons.

Lebanon received more than 80,000 suspected Israeli calls, asking people to evacuate, the Lebanese officials said.

The head of telecoms company Ogero, Imad Kreidieh, confirmed to Reuters, saying such calls were "psychological warfare to cause havoc and chaos".

This morning the IDF, through its spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Hezbollah had “militarised civilian infrastructure” and “turned southern Lebanon into a battlefield”.

He further advised “civilians from Lebanese villages located in and next to buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes” to immediately move out of harm’s way for their own safety.

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Earlier, spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said, "Hezbollah intends to launch these weapons toward Israel, and we will not allow it! Stay away for your own protection."

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(With inputs from agencies)