In a devastating escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes targeted residential neighborhoods in Beirut on Thursday evening, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people and injuring 117 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strikes specifically hit the Ras al-Nabaa and Burj Abi Haidar areas, with one air raid completely leveling an eight-story building, leaving behind a scene of destruction and chaos.
The recent wave of Israeli military operations, which began with a ground invasion of Lebanon on October 1, has intensified significantly, with airstrikes causing casualties in the thousands over the past few weeks. The situation has prompted international concern, particularly after Israeli forces reportedly fired upon United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, injuring two personnel. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from various nations, including the United States, which expressed deep concern over the actions of Israeli forces targeting UN positions.
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council stated, “We are deeply concerned about reports that Israeli forces fired on two positions and a tower used by UN peacekeepers in Lebanon,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
In response to the growing conflict, Israeli officials have warned UN peacekeeping forces to vacate their positions, claiming they are obstructing Israel’s military operations. The ongoing Israeli offensive aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities, particularly in light of recent leadership losses within the organization, including the deaths of chief Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Saffiedine.
Thursday’s airstrikes reportedly included an attempt to assassinate Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking security official in Hezbollah. However, Al Manar TV, affiliated with Hezbollah, confirmed that Safa was not present in the targeted buildings at the time of the strikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens in the region. The Israeli military reported that several of these rockets were intercepted, further escalating the conflict between the two parties.
As the violence continues, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities and a return to stability in the region. The humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict is becoming increasingly dire, with civilian casualties mounting and infrastructure suffering significant damage.
Sources by Agencies
