TORONTO – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched widespread strikes across Lebanon on Monday, hitting approximately 100 sites including locations in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, according to a CBC News broadcast. The IDF stated the strikes targeted Hezbollah military sites and command centers.

According to the broadcast, officials indicated that operations against Hezbollah would continue regardless of developments regarding Iran. The IDF stated it would continue to target Hezbollah “with full force.”

The Lebanese health ministry reported to Reuters that hospitals are currently overwhelmed with both wounded and deceased individuals. The Lebanese Red Cross stated on X (formerly Twitter) that 100 ambulances are responding to strike locations across the country. These strikes follow previous attacks overnight and early Monday morning, including strikes on the coastal cities of Sidon and Tyre, which resulted in at least eight deaths and over 20 injuries.

Israeli officials had issued evacuation orders for coastal areas prior to the strikes, urging residents to move north.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and end hostilities against Lebanon, stating the situation is critical. A joint statement was also issued by France, Italy, Germany, Canada, the UK, Denmark, and the EU, urging all parties to respect the agreement and end hostilities in Lebanon.

Other News from the Broadcast:

  • Artemis II Mission: Stunning images have been sent back from the Artemis II mission, including views of the Earth from behind the moon. The crew also conducted the first ship-to-ship communication with the International Space Station. NASA reports favorable weather conditions for the crew’s re-entry on Friday, but is monitoring for potential rain interference.
  • AI-Generated Images: CBC News reported on the spread of AI-generated images falsely depicting the Artemis II mission, highlighting the importance of verifying information from official sources like NASA’s website and YouTube channel.
  • Federal Infrastructure Funding: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced $300 million in federal funding for a dozen infrastructure projects across Canada, including community centres, water treatment facilities, and road improvements. The Conservatives criticized the announcement as a re-announcement of existing funds.
  • Alberta Separation Referendum: The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is seeking an injunction to halt a petition advocating for a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada, arguing it violates treaty rights. Stay Free Alberta, the group behind the petition, says it has collected over 178,000 signatures.
  • Skilled Trades Shortage: The broadcast highlighted a shortage of skilled trades workers in Canada, with 250,000 expected to retire in the coming years. Programs like Blue Door’s construct program are aiming to train individuals facing hardship for careers in the trades.