Israel launched air strikes on Lebanon in the early hours of Monday, saying it was targeting Hezbollah positions after accusing the group of firing rockets into northern Israel.
Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli strikes on Beirut and the southern parts of the country killed at least 31 people and injured 149. The toll may rise as emergency teams continue search-and-rescue efforts.
Read also:Â Middle East conflict seen worsening housing crisis in Nigeria
The violence comes amid a broader surge in hostilities across the region. Explosions have been reported in Bahrain and Dubai, and an oil refinery was seen on fire in Saudi Arabia. In Kuwait, the military said several United States fighter planes had crashed, though it confirmed that the crew members were unharmed.
In Iran, the Iranian Red Crescent Society said 555 people have been killed following attacks by the United States and Israel across more than 130 cities. The claims have not been independently verified.
Read also:Â Iran launches fresh ballistic missile strikes on Israel
Israel has also suffered casualties. On Sunday, an Iranian missile strike killed nine people in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh.
A joint statement issued by the United States and six Gulf states described Iran’s actions as a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability. The statement, originally published in Arabic, was signed by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The countries said they reaffirm their right to self-defence as what they called Iranian strikes continue in Bahrain, Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Read also: From crisis to opportunity: Nigeria’s 4-point response to the Gulf War
In Israel, a military spokesperson told reporters that all options remain open, including possible ground operations in Lebanon. He said Hezbollah would pay a heavy price for striking Israel and confirmed that close to 100,000 reservists have been mobilised and deployed along the northern border.
“We are prepared, well prepared,” he said, adding that dozens of battalions, brigades and divisions are positioned for both defence and attack.
Â
