Death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanon rises to 558 as world reacts to massacre

The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon has risen to 558, including 50 children, as global condemnations pour in over the Monday bloody offensive.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said more than 1,800 people were also wounded in the massacre.

The attacks a marked the deadliest day of violence over the past 35 years in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, during a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart in New York on Tuesday voiced strong support for Lebanon and denounced what he described as “indiscriminate attacks against civilians.”

“No matter how the situation changes, we will always stand on the side of justice, on the side of our Arab brothers, including Lebanon,” Wang told Abdallah Bou Habib.

He emphasized the importance of monitoring regional developments, particularly the recent explosions of communications equipment in Lebanon, and reiterated China’s firm opposition to attacks targeting civilians.

“Armed force does not represent truth, and might only undermine peace,” Wang added.

Arab foreign ministers also issued a robust condemnation of Israel’s increasing aggression against Lebanon, reaffirming their steadfast support for the Lebanese government and its citizens, during the annual Arab League Council meeting held on Monday alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

“We strongly condemn the Israeli regime’s escalating aggression against Lebanon, particularly the recent assaults that commenced on Monday morning. We express our readiness to support Lebanon in the face of these attacks, while holding the Israeli regime accountable for this alarming escalation,” the statement said.