Israeli fighter jets launched a series of bombings on the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters and weapons facilities. Reports suggested that Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was the intended target of the strikes. The explosions, the most intense since 2006, forced families to flee, seeking refuge on the streets of downtown Beirut.
Israel claimed to have killed Hezbollah’s missile unit commander and other senior officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue fighting Hezbollah until Israel’s border with Lebanon was secure. The conflict escalated after Hamas’ attack on Israel, leading to heavy bombing in Lebanon and displacing thousands of people.
The violence raised concerns of a regional war, prompting calls for a ceasefire from UN Chief Antonio Guterres. Amidst the chaos, Iran-backed militants vowed to continue the fight with Israel. Netanyahu’s strong message to Iran at the UN General Assembly further escalated tensions in the region.
The strikes in Beirut were condemned as war crimes, with fears of further escalation and spillover. The situation remained precarious, with diplomatic efforts crucial to ending the violence and restoring peace in the region.