Downtown Chicago protest held over Lebanon as Israel and Hezbollah trade air strike, rocket fire

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Dozens gathered in downtown Chicago for a protest over growing violence in Lebanon after Israeli strikes killed hundreds of people and injured over 1,000 more. Hezbollah also launched hundreds more rockets into Israel.

The Monday airstrikes marked the deadliest day since the war between Hezbollah and Israel began in 2006.

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The Israeli military has warned civilians in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of its widening air campaign. Israel's military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the army will do "whatever is necessary" to push Hezbollah from Lebanon's border with Israel. Hagari said Hezbollah has launched some 9,000 rockets and drones into Israel since October 2023, including 250 on Monday alone.

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Over the weekend, Hezbollah fired about 150 rockets into Israel; many were intercepted by the country's Iron Dome defense system.

The Chicago protest, called "Hands off Lebanon," was organized by the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine.

What began as an hour-long emergency rally eventually gained momentum as protesters marched through downtown streets to Federal Plaza.

"Stop the war. Stop arming Israel. Stop funding Israel. The Palestinian people deserve liberation and dignity. The Lebanese people deserve safety. And, the United States government can deliver both of those things by immediately ending aid to Israel," said Muhammed Sankari, U.S. Palestinian Community Network.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the people of Lebanon Israel's war is not with them, but with Hezbollah. The Israeli military said warplanes struck 1,600 Hezbollah targets Monday, destroying cruise missiles, long- and short-range rockets and attack drones.

The Israeli Defense Forces, accuses Hezbollah of storing ammunition in civilian homes, and revealed videos they say show what appears to be a cruise missile within a broken down wall.

Israel estimates Hezbollah has some 150,000 rockets and missiles, including guided missiles and long-range projectiles capable of striking anywhere in Israel.

Hezbollah said it fired dozens of rockets toward Israel, including at military bases. It also targeted for a second day the facilities of the Rafael defense firm, headquartered in Haifa.

The Consul General of Israel to the Midwest released a message Monday night in response to the rising tensions, saying Hezbollah's strikes have led to tens of thousands of Israelis being evacuated from their communities since last October.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.