Lebanon death toll rises as Israel intensifies air strikes on Beirut

The death toll in Lebanon has risen to at least 217 following days of intensified air strikes by Israel, according to Lebanese authorities. Hundreds more have been injured as the conflict escalates and humanitarian concerns grow.

The latest wave of attacks targeted areas across Beirut, particularly the southern suburbs, which were struck again on Friday afternoon (March 6). Lebanese state media reported extensive destruction in the neighbourhoods after overnight raids, with many residents fleeing the area following evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli military.

Officials in Lebanon said that since Monday, at least 217 people have been killed and around 798 others wounded in the expanded Israeli offensive. The ongoing strikes have also displaced more than 95,000 people, forcing families to abandon their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

The Israeli military stated that its operations are targeting members of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating in Lebanon. Israeli officials claim that more than 70 Hezbollah fighters have been killed during the strikes.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned that the continued bombardment risks pushing the country toward a humanitarian crisis, saying that “a humanitarian disaster is looming” as casualties mount and large numbers of civilians are displaced.