Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s south suburbs—Naharnet

Israeli fighter jets conducted overnight strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters and reportedly aiming for its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. The strikes, the most intense since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, led to massive explosions and forced families to flee, seeking refuge in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square and along the boardwalk.

Israel claimed to have killed senior Hezbollah officials and continued its attacks on Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region. The violence followed Hezbollah’s low-intensity attacks on Israel and Hamas’ unprecedented assault on October 7. Amid the conflict, U.N. leaders called for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and casualties.

The situation remains volatile, with fears of a ground operation and spillover effects involving Iran-backed militants. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue fighting until threats were eliminated, while Iran condemned the strikes as a dangerous escalation. Efforts for diplomacy and peace are crucial to preventing further bloodshed.