BEIRUT: Lebanon’s health ministry said on Tuesday that the death toll from Monday’s Israeli airstrikes has surged to 558, including 50 children and 94 women, marking the highest number of casualties in a single day since the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006.
Health Minister Firass Abiad said that among the deceased are 50 children and 94 women, stating, “This frankly negates the lies of the Israeli enemy who said it was targeting combat forces. The truth, unfortunately, is that the vast majority, if not all, of those killed in yesterday’s attacks were unarmed people in their homes.”
A total of 1,835 people were reported wounded, with many receiving treatment in 54 hospitals across the country.
The Israeli bombardment also resulted in the deaths of four rescuers affiliated with the Risala Scout Association. In a separate incident, an Israeli strike in southern Beirut that targeted the head of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil, has killed 55 people, including seven children.
The violence has led to a mass exodus, with hundreds crossing into Syria from Lebanon in search of safety, according to security sources.
Meanwhile, several Gulf airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, have suspended flights to Beirut. Emirates announced the suspension of flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, while Qatar Airways stated it has temporarily halted services until September 25. Other airlines have also ceased operations to and from the Lebanese capital.
Major carriers, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta Air Lines, have suspended flights to Beirut, with some altering services to Israel and Iran as well.
A source from Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines reported an overwhelming demand for flights due to the cancellations, stating, “Our flights are all overbooked because of the cancellations of other airlines. There is not a single seat available for any destination before Sunday.”