Israel declares nationwide emergency as Hezbollah tensions intensify IDF’s strike on Lebanon kills 10 members of same family

Israeli authorities have declared a special state of civil defence across the country in response to ongoing Israel Defence Forces (IDF) airstrikes targeting Shiite Hezbollah positions.

"The ministers have approved the imposition of a special civil defence state throughout Israel," the state media confirmed, per Caliber.Az.

This measure significantly broadens the IDF's authority to impose restrictions on civilians, including prohibiting large gatherings, limiting access to educational institutions, and issuing "additional instructions necessary to save lives."

The IDF has escalated its operations, striking 1,100 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on September 23, using over 1,400 rounds of ammunition.

In southern and eastern Lebanon, heavy bombardments have led many citizens to flee toward the Syrian border. Reports indicate an exodus of Lebanese people to al-Quseir, driven by Israeli strikes near the town of al-Hermel.

Throughout the night of September 24, Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Hezbollah targets across Lebanon. The Israel Air Force hit areas east of Tyre and multiple towns in the Bekaa Valley, including al-Ain and Qasr Naba. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike destroyed a vehicle on the Beirut-Damascus highway, as the IDF targeted command posts, rocket launchers, and terrorist military structures.

One particularly devastating strike in the Bekaa Valley killed 10 members of the same family when a shell hit their home.

In retaliation, Hezbollah launched missile strikes on Israel’s Megiddo military airfield and the Ramat David airbase. The group claimed responsibility for targeting both sites with Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 rockets.

As the conflict escalates, France has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address the situation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed urgent concern over the rising death toll, with Lebanon's health ministry reporting 500 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours alone. Barrot warned of the potential for a wider regional war if the situation continues to deteriorate.

"I have requested an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Lebanon this week to avoid a regional war that will have devastating consequences for everyone," Barrot stated.

By Tamilla Hasanova