Israel launched a deadly airstrike on central Beirut Monday, leaving five people dead and 31 injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The attack follows weeks of sustained bombardments targeting southern suburbs linked to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group. This latest assault marks the third such strike on central Beirut in two days, intensifying an already volatile situation.
The violence extended into Israel, where rocket fire from Lebanon struck the northern region, killing one woman and injuring several others. The Israeli military confirmed that approximately 100 projectiles were launched by Hezbollah, with some intercepted by defense systems.
Central Beirut Hit Hard
The densely populated district of Zuqaq al-Blat, housing numerous displaced individuals from southern Beirut, bore the brunt of Monday’s airstrikes. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported severe damage to an apartment complex near a Shiite place of worship. This follows Sunday’s attacks on central Beirut, which claimed at least 10 lives, including a senior Hezbollah spokesperson, Mohammed Afif, and four members of his media team.
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Israel’s intensified air campaign is part of its broader effort to secure the northern border, allowing displaced Israelis to return home. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the commitment to continue operations against Hezbollah, even amid ongoing truce discussions.
Rocket Fire Hits Israel
Cross-border hostilities escalated further when a rocket struck Shfaram, east of Haifa, killing a woman and wounding 10 others. Paramedics described the site as suffering a “direct hit.” In central Israel, including areas near Tel Aviv, rocket fire injured five people, leaving one woman in critical condition. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching “attack drones” targeting “sensitive military points” in Tel Aviv.
U.S. Push for Truce
As the crisis deepens, Lebanon’s government has largely backed a U.S.-proposed truce aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese officials expressed optimism about the proposal, with U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein expected to visit the region soon. However, Israeli leadership remains cautious, vowing to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities even if an agreement is reached.
Escalation in Gaza
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsened following an Israeli operation targeting displaced communities in the southern region. Gaza’s interior ministry reported that at least 20 people were killed in a crackdown on looting, with authorities citing the theft of aid trucks as a critical issue exacerbating famine in the territory.
The health ministry in Gaza revealed that the death toll from over a year of conflict has surpassed 43,900, most of whom are civilians. In response to Hamas’ October 2023 attacks, Israel has maintained its military campaign, with strikes continuing to devastate the region.
Casualties Mount on Both Sides
The ongoing conflict has left an indelible mark, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 3,500 deaths since October last year, escalating sharply in recent weeks. In Israel, the aftermath of the October 7 attacks by Hamas resulted in 1,206 fatalities, mostly civilians, according to official figures.
As violence continues unabated, the humanitarian toll grows, and hopes for peace remain tenuous.