Israeli airstrikes leave over 40 dead in Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes leave over 40 dead in Lebanon

More than 40 people have died in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since Saturday evening, according to reports from the country's official news agency.

Current developments in Lebanon

The National News Agency (NNA) reported airstrikes on the city of Almat in central Lebanon on Sunday. The Lebanese Health Ministry said 20 people were killed there, including three children. Videos from the scene show at least one building in ruins as heavy machinery tries to clear the rubble.

Details of the attacks

Local MP Simon Abi Ramia said: "The affected house belongs to one of the area's known residents and it is possible that displaced people have found refuge there." An airstrike killed three people in Mashghara, a town in south-central Lebanon. There was also an airstrike on the town of Debaal in the Tire district in southern Lebanon. The NNA added that intermittent Israeli artillery fire on the town of Khiam continues.

Devastating results since September

At least 2,513 people have been killed and 11,719 injured since September 16 as Israel stepped up its offensive against Hezbollah, according to a CNN count based on Lebanese Health Ministry data. The latest attacks follow attacks in more than a dozen other locations in Lebanon since Saturday evening.

Casualties and destruction

Most of the casualties occurred in an airstrike on a civil defense center associated with the Islamic Al-Rissala Scout Association in the city of Deir Qanoun. That attack killed 17 people, according to NNA, while rescue teams continue to search for survivors in the rubble. Videos from the city show a picture of widespread destruction.

Further attacks and international reactions

Five people were killed in an airstrike on the city of Hanawaih, and attacks on buildings were recorded in nearly a dozen other locations. In addition, artillery fire was fired at the cities of Majdal Zoun, Tair Harfa, al-Dhaira and others. Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday that airstrikes were carried out in the Tire regions and further north in Baalbek.

Military statements and situation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said late Saturday that the air force had "taken out dozens of Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon over the past day." The IDF also reported on Sunday that rockets continued to be fired from southern Lebanon. "Approximately 10 shells were identified that crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanon. Some of the shells were intercepted, while the rest fell in open areas," it said. No injuries were reported.