Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut

Beirut, Mar 19: Israeli air raids intensified across Lebanon over the past two days, leaving at least 45 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to the country’s health authorities, as the wider regional conflict deepens.

Air strikes targeted a residential house in Burj Shemali, while shelling was reported near border towns such as Chihine and Marwahin. Additional overnight strikes hit areas near homes in Jezzine district, causing structural damage including cracked walls and shattered windows.

The strikes were reported across multiple regions, including the capital Beirut, eastern Baalbek, and southern Sidon, underscoring the scale of the offensive.

The escalation comes amid intensified fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The group claimed its fighters destroyed six Israeli Merkava tanks during an attempted advance by Israeli troops near Taybeh towards the Deir Siryan area in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese authorities said at least 968 people have been killed since March 2 in Israeli strikes, with the World Health Organization reporting that over 100 of the victims were children.

The United Nations has warned that more than one million people have been displaced due to the escalating violence, with nearly one-third of them children, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis.

Amid the worsening situation, Jean-Noel Barrot is expected to visit Lebanon to express France’s support and hold talks with key leaders, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

The European Union has also called on Israel to halt its military operations, warning that the offensive risks triggering a prolonged conflict with severe humanitarian consequences.

The situation remains volatile as tensions continue to escalate across the region.