The airstrikes, targeting alleged Hezbollah drone facilities, mark a serious escalation in conflicts that have simmered despite a ceasefire agreement.
**Escalation in Lebanon: Israel Targets Hezbollah in Southern Beirut Ahead of Eid Al-Adha**
**Escalation in Lebanon: Israel Targets Hezbollah in Southern Beirut Ahead of Eid Al-Adha**
Tensions rise as Israeli airstrikes hit southern Beirut, igniting international condemnation on a significant religious eve.
Israel conducted airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut targeting what it claimed were Hezbollah's drone production facilities just before Eid Al-Adha, a critical Islamic holiday. Following evacuation orders, panic ensued in densely populated neighborhoods, leading to traffic chaos as residents fled. With no immediate reports of casualties, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they aimed to dismantle a Hezbollah unit allegedly responsible for producing "thousands" of drones, which they argue are funded by Iran.
Despite a ceasefire lasting for six months, these airborne assaults prompted swift condemnation from Lebanese officials. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam denounced the strikes as a "systematic and deliberate attack" on Lebanon, particularly regrettable on a festive eve when many flee to celebrate. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun referred to the airstrikes as a "flagrant violation" of international accords and voiced concerns over the impact on security and public sentiment leading into Eid.
UN representatives also expressed alarm over the renewed violence, emphasizing the need for diplomatic resolutions to avoid further escalation. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the military operations, stating that they were essential for national security and held the Lebanese government accountable for violating the ceasefire.
The strikes come at a time when tensions are already high following a protracted conflict between Israel and Hezbollah from 2023 to 2024, which led to significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon. Despite having a ceasefire established in late November, Israel has continued its operations against alleged Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, citing the ongoing threat they pose.
As a fragile peace lingers, both sides remain on a precipice with the potential for increased violence if diplomatic channels cannot resolve ongoing territorial disputes and security concerns. The situation remains fluid, with subscribers advised to keep up with real-time updates as events unfold.
