Israel and Lebanon spark WW3 fears as Middle East on the brink of 'full-fledged war'
Strikes from Israel on Lebanese targets yesterday saw 490 people killed, marking the deadliest day between the two states since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
The Middle East is teetering on the brink of "full-fledged" war, according to the EU's foreign affairs chief, after Israeli strikes killed nearly 500 people on September 23.
Lebabon's health ministry claimed that of the 492 dead, 58 were women and 35 children.
Josep Borrell said prior to a gathering of world leaders at the United Nations on Monday: "I can say we are almost in a full-fledged war.
"We’re seeing more military strikes, more damage, more collateral damage, more victims", he said, adding: "Everybody has to put all their capacity to stop this."
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to people living in southern and eastern Lebabon.
In a video message on X, the 74-year-old said: "I have a message for the people of Lebanon: Israel's war is not with you, it is with Hezbollah.
"For too long Hezbollah has been using you as human shields."
The Likud party leader said: "Now, starting this morning, the IDF has warned you to get out of harm's way. I urge you - take this warning seriously.
"Once our operation is finished you can come back safely to your homes."
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Message for the people of Lebanon: pic.twitter.com/gNVNLUlvjm
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 23, 2024
The Israeli leader justified the military action in his video address, saying that Hezbollah were storing weapons "aimed directly" at Israeli cities in the homes of Lebanese citizens.
The IDF had to "take out" those weapons to ensure the safety of the state of Israel and its people, he said.
Thousands of residents of the southern Lebanese city of Sidon were pictured attempting to flee the city. Traffic jams clogged up major roads as worried citizens heeded the advice of Mr Netanyahu.
