By Palestine Chronicle Staff 
Israeli warplanes launched hundreds of airstrikes across various regions in eastern and southern Lebanon on Monday morning. Hezbollah, in response, announced missile strikes on Haifa and the Galilee.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced on Monday that the Israeli raids resulted in 50 fatalities and more than 300 injuries, including children, women, and paramedics.
Al-Jazeera confirmed that the airstrikes targeted towns including Mays al-Jabal, Aitaroun, Houla, Taybeh, Markaba, Bani Hayyan, Jabal al-Rayhan, the heights of Iqlim al-Tuffah al-Tiri, Bint Jbeil, Hanin, Zawtar, and the Nabatieh area in southern Lebanon.
The raids also reportedly extended to the outskirts of Shaara, Harbata, and Hermel in eastern Lebanon, as well as Shamshtar, Taraya, and Boudai.
The Lebanese National News Agency said that over 80 airstrikes targeted multiple areas in the Nabatieh Governorate.
Reconnaissance drones were reported to be flying over the villages of the western and central sectors, extending to the Litani River.
As a precautionary measure, the Lebanese Minister of Education ordered the closure of schools and universities today and tomorrow in the South, the Bekaa, and southern suburbs of Beirut.
Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of two of its fighters in clashes with Israel in southern Lebanon, raising its death toll to 505 since October 8.
‘New Phase’
Meanwhile, the Israeli army stated that it was carrying out extensive strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The Chief of Staff has approved attacks against Hezbollah, and the army claimed to have struck over 300 targets.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant described the current situation as a “new phase in the fighting” in southern Lebanon and urged Israelis to remain calm in the coming days.
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoty cited security sources as saying that the air force plans to launch widespread and powerful attacks across Lebanon in the afternoon, which may provoke an escalated response from Hezbollah.
An Israeli military official, quoted by the Associated Press, said that Tel Aviv is focusing on air operations and has no immediate plans for a ground offensive.
Barrage of Rockets
Meanwhile, a large barrage of rockets was fired from southern Lebanon towards the Galilee.
Hezbollah announced that it had struck military sites in Haifa and the Galilee Division reserve base at Amiad, as well as military industries complexes north of Haifa, with dozens of missiles.
The Israeli army reported monitoring the launch of 35 rockets towards Safed and other parts of the Lower Galilee, intercepting some of them.
Air raid sirens were heard in various areas, and Israeli casualties were reported.
‘Open Account’
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalated following terror-cyber attacks by Israel across Lebanon. Hezbollah responded with missile strikes on Israeli military sites.
