Lebanon's Health Minister warns of war and casualties from Israeli airstrikes

Lebanon's health minister, Dr. Firass Abiad, has declared that the country is effectively in a state of war due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. He reported that nearly 500,000 people have been displaced and over 700 have been killed as a result of these attacks. The minister emphasized that the situation is dire, with hospitals and health facilities at risk of becoming overwhelmed by the unprecedented number of casualties, which includes many women, children, and care workers. Dr. Abiad criticized Israel's military strategy, claiming it aims to instill panic among civilians and provoke a mass exodus from Lebanon. He noted that the use of heavy bombs targeting civilian areas could lead to catastrophic casualty numbers. The health minister called for immediate international intervention to pressure Israel into ceasing its attacks, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire that encompasses both Gaza and Lebanon. The conflict has escalated with Hezbollah's missile fire towards Tel Aviv, marking a significant development in the ongoing hostilities. Israeli forces have stated that their operations are focused on targeting Hezbollah's military assets, which they allege are concealed within civilian neighborhoods, thereby endangering the local population. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Dr. Abiad's warnings underscore the critical need for a resolution to the violence. The international community is urged to take action to prevent further loss of life and to restore stability in the region, as the health minister stresses the importance of protecting civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.