Lebanon says 687 killed in Israeli attacks since March 2

BEIRUT

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Thursday that 687 people have been killed, including 98 children, in Israeli attacks on the country since March 2.

In a statement, the ministry said the victims also include 62 women and 18 paramedics, adding that the total number of injured has reached 1,774.

Among the wounded are 304 children, 328 women, and 45 paramedics, according to the statement.

On March 2, Lebanese group Hezbollah began attacking Israeli military sites in response to repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the killing of Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike.

Israel retaliated by launching a military campaign in Lebanon, carrying out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and areas in the south and east of the country, and on March 3 began a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.