Israel conducted a series of air strikes on southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday, targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters, sending large clouds of smoke into the densely populated neighborhood.
These were the most intense strikes on the capital since Israel redirected its military efforts from Gaza to Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah strongholds throughout the country, which have resulted in hundreds of casualties.
The escalation follows Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict along Israel’s northern border, which began after Hamas’ unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing world leaders, vowed that the fight against Hezbollah would continue until Israel’s northern border was secure.
The air strikes triggered panic in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold for decades.
Residents described the strikes as terrifying, with one witness saying the impact felt like an earthquake.
A source linked to Hezbollah reported that six buildings were destroyed, with two deaths and 76 injuries recorded.
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted Hezbollah’s “central headquarters” in southern Beirut.
While Israeli media speculated that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was a target, Hezbollah sources assured that he was unharmed.
Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets into northern Israel, hitting a house and a car, though no casualties were reported.
This escalation comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Netanyahu pledging to dismantle Hamas entirely while also taking aim at Iran, accusing Tehran of backing militant groups across the region.
The violence has sparked international concern, with the UN warning of the deadliest period Lebanon has seen in a generation and fears of a broader Middle Eastern conflict rising.
Diplomatic efforts to broker peace remain in limbo, as attempts to end the Gaza conflict, which is seen as key to halting violence in Lebanon, have so far failed.
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