Lebanon death toll rises to 2,055 as Israeli strikes continue

Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced Sunday that 35 people were killed and 152 wounded in Israeli airstrikes over the previous day, bringing the death toll since 2 March to 2,055. The ministry’s statement said victims include 252 women and 165 children, while 1,120 women and 644 children are among the 6,588 wounded. The Israeli army has pounded Lebanon with deadly strikes since Hezbollah launched a cross‑border attack on 2 March amid escalating regional tensions following the joint US‑Israeli offensive on Iran that began on 28 February.

Netanyahu Vows More Attacks

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to escalate attacks across Lebanon unless Hezbollah is disarmed and a peace agreement “that endures for generations” is reached. Lebanon’s presidency announced Friday that Beirut and Tel Aviv agreed to hold their first meeting in Washington on 14 April, a move condemned by Hezbollah. The announcement came after the collapse of US‑Iran talks in Islamabad, which had aimed to transform a fragile 14‑day ceasefire into a lasting peace.

Türkiye’s Position

Türkiye has repeatedly condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and called for an immediate halt to civilian bloodshed. Ankara has also warned that continued Israeli strikes undermine regional stability and the fragile ceasefire framework. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed the situation with French President Emmanuel Macron over the weekend, stressing the need to protect the truce and warning against any initiatives that could sabotage the ceasefire process, particularly attacks on Lebanon.