**Israeli Airstrike Hits Hezbollah Targets in Beirut, Igniting Tensions**

The airstrike comes amidst rising hostilities following rocket fire from Lebanon, igniting fears of renewed conflict in the region.

In a dramatic turn of events, Israel executed its first airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut since the November ceasefire with the Hezbollah militia took effect. The Israeli military reported that the airstrike targeted a drone storage facility utilized by Hezbollah, sparking widespread panic as evacuation warnings were issued in the area.

The incident unfolded mere hours after two rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel. Israel successfully intercepted one of the rockets, while the other failed to enter its territory. Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the rocket attacks while Israel categorized the incident as a direct violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, currently in Paris, condemned Israel's actions, informing international leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron of the situation. Aoun's office demanded a response from the international community to halt Israeli aggression, asserting that Lebanon is committed to upholding the ceasefire.

This latest airstrike exacerbates the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-affiliated political and military entity, though analysts believe the agreement may endure for the time being. The attack underscores the complicated dynamics faced by the Lebanese government in asserting control over southern regions historically influenced by militant groups.

Despite an ongoing ceasefire, Israel has reportedly conducted near-daily airstrikes targeting individuals and assets allegedly linked to Hezbollah, citing the need to prevent rearmament. Conversely, the Lebanese authorities maintain that these strikes and the presence of Israeli forces in key locations in southern Lebanon constitute ongoing violations of the truce.

Friday's rocket launch marks the second time in just a week that such attacks have been recorded from Lebanon. Earlier in the month, in response to similar rocket fire, Israel had launched multiple airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which resulted in casualties and injuries among civilians.

The hostilities follow the extensive conflict that began when Hezbollah entered the fray after the Hamas attacks on Israel, which began on October 7, 2023. This protracted confrontation culminated in devastating air campaigns across Lebanese territory, claiming approximately 4,000 lives, including a substantial number of civilians, and resulting in displaced populations amidst the chaos.

Israel's ongoing military operations aim to secure the return of over 60,000 residents displaced from northern regions due to Hezbollah's activities, while simultaneously working to dismantle the group's military presence along the shared border.