The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon has surged to 558 since yesterday, according to Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad.
Speaking at a press conference today, Abiad revealed that among the dead are 50 children and 94 women, with an additional 1,835 people wounded.
Abiad dismissed Israeli claims that militants were being targeted in the strikes, stating, "The reality, unfortunately, is that the vast majority, if not all, are unarmed civilians who were in their homes."
This is the highest death toll Lebanon has seen since the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The previous toll, announced last night, stood at 492 dead.
The minister also reported that 16 rescuers and firefighters were injured, and a hospital in Bid Jebail, located in southern Lebanon, was struck during the attacks.