BEIRUT, November 21. /TASS/. The death toll in Israel’s air raids on several populated areas near the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek has risen to 47, the governor of the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate of Lebanon, Bashir Khodr, said.

"The death toll has reached 47. Another 22 were wounded. The rescue and recovery effort continues," Khodr wrote on his X page.

In his words, Israeli warplanes struck 13 villages and towns. "It was a terrible day for the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate," the governor added.

Earlier, the Lebanese health ministry reported that 22 people were killed in five different populated areas.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking hostages. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, launching airstrikes on Gaza before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave.

On September 23, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Northern Arrows against the Lebanon-based Hezbollah Shia movement, carrying out massive airstrikes on its military targets. On October 1, Israel announced the start of a limited ground operation in the border areas of southern Lebanon.