BEIRUT, Lebanon, Sept 24, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Lebanon said Tuesday the death 
toll from Israeli bombardment a day earlier had risen to 558, including 50 
children, in the deadliest day of violence since Hezbollah and Israel went to 
war in 2006.

"So far, the health ministry has recorded 558 deaths, including 50 children 
and 94 women," Health Minister Firass Abiad said.

"This frankly negates the lies of the Israeli enemy who said it was targeting 
combat forces... The truth, unfortunately, is that the vast majority, if not 
all, of those killed in yesterday's attacks were unarmed people in their 
homes," he added.

A total of 1,835 people were wounded, he said, adding that they were 
receiving treatment in 54 hospitals.

Four of the dead were rescuers from the Risala Scout association, which is 
affiliated with Hezbollah ally Amal.

Several militant groups operate health centres and emergency response 
operations in south Lebanon.

Sixteen emergency workers and firefighters were wounded, Abiad said, adding 
that the Bint Jbeil hospital near the Israeli border was hit on Tuesday.

Abiad also said the toll from an Israeli strike in south Beirut on Friday 
that killed the head of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil, had 
risen to 55, including seven children.

Authorities had earlier reported 45 dead in that strike on Beirut's southern 
suburbs.