The death toll in Lebanon has surpassed eight hundred as Israeli airstrikes intensified across southern regions of the country and the southern suburbs of Beirut during the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s health ministry said at least eight hundred twenty six people have been killed and more than two thousand injured since the latest escalation began.
Overnight strikes added at least four more fatalities including a strike on a residential building in the coastal city of Tyre and another attack in a southern village that killed three people.
The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure including rocket launch sites in the Qatrani area and command facilities used by the group’s Radwan force in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Israeli authorities also issued evacuation orders for several densely populated neighborhoods in Beirut including Haret Hreik and Bourj el Barajneh warning residents to leave areas believed to contain Hezbollah infrastructure.
Health officials say medical personnel have increasingly been caught in the violence.
The health ministry reported that thirty one paramedics and healthcare workers have been killed since the escalation began.
One of the deadliest incidents involved a strike in a southern town that killed twelve emergency medical workers.
Humanitarian organizations warn that attacks affecting emergency responders could place further strain on Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system.
Amid the escalating violence Lebanese leaders are attempting to launch diplomatic negotiations to halt the fighting.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has proposed direct negotiations with Israel under international sponsorship aimed at securing a comprehensive ceasefire.
The proposal includes deploying the Lebanese Armed Forces to southern Lebanon and implementing measures to disarm non state armed groups operating in the region.
However Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar said no direct talks are currently scheduled contradicting earlier reports suggesting negotiations could begin soon.
Sources close to Hezbollah also said the group has not received a formal negotiation proposal further complicating diplomatic efforts.
The international community has intensified calls for de escalation as the humanitarian situation worsens.
During a visit to Beirut United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced a 308.3 million dollar emergency aid appeal to assist about eight hundred sixteen thousand people displaced by the conflict.
He said there is no military solution and urged all sides to pursue diplomacy to prevent further civilian suffering.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also offered to host negotiations in Paris in an attempt to prevent Lebanon from descending further into instability.
The United States has reiterated support for Lebanon’s government and humanitarian assistance while maintaining its backing for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah attacks.
Since the escalation began the conflict has killed 826 people injured more than two thousand and left thirty one paramedics dead while about eight hundred sixteen thousand people have been displaced across the country.
Analysts warn that unless a ceasefire agreement is reached in the coming days the conflict risks expanding further.
