### Rising Tensions: Israel Strikes Hezbollah-Linked Targets in Beirut Amid Fragile Ceasefire

In a provocative move, Israel executed an air strike in southern Beirut on Sunday, targeting a site allegedly used by Hezbollah for storing "precision-guided missiles." The Israeli military justified the action by claiming that these missiles posed a direct threat to its national security. The attack comes despite a ceasefire that has been in place for five months, which was supposed to quell the conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed group. Lebanon’s presidency condemned the air strike and called on the United States and France—responsible for brokering the ceasefire—to intervene. Israeli officials, meanwhile, maintain that they will not permit Hezbollah to enhance its military capabilities in the region.

The airstrike represents a significant escalation, being the first such incident in 30 days within Hezbollah's stronghold, the Dahieh neighborhood. Live coverage showed a large plume of smoke rising from the targeted area shortly after the Israeli army had issued a warning for residents to evacuate. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though the strike generated fears of renewed violence in an already volatile region.

While Israel has accused Hezbollah of continuing to pose a threat, Western diplomats indicate that the militant group has largely adhered to the terms of the ceasefire, contrasting with Israel's repeated attacks. UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, urged all parties to avoid actions that could jeopardize the fragile peace. Past incidents, including a recent Israeli airstrike that resulted in fatalities, further complicate the dynamics in the region, prompting fears among local residents of a swift return to conflict.