Israel conducted new airstrikes on Beirut on Friday, resulting in six deaths and almost 100 injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The Israeli military targeted buildings in the southern suburbs of Beirut, warning residents to evacuate beforehand. Among those killed were two high-ranking Hezbollah commanders, as claimed by the IDF. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets at cities in northern Israel. Both sides are bracing for potential further escalation.
The strikes in Beirut follow a pattern of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with the recent attacks being the heaviest in nearly a year. The Israeli military stated that the strikes were aimed at underground facilities used by Hezbollah in the Dahiyeh suburb. Reports suggest that the strikes may have targeted Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, although his fate remains uncertain.
International reaction to the escalation has been swift, with the UN calling for a ceasefire in the region. US President Joe Biden has instructed the Pentagon to assess and adjust US forces in the Middle East, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed support for Israel’s objectives in Lebanon. The situation remains tense, with fears of further violence and casualties.
The strikes have raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict in the region, with Lebanon experiencing its deadliest period in years. The Canadian government is offering assistance to citizens in Lebanon, while protests in New York targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of the situation. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring developments and calling for de-escalation.
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