Tensions escalated on Saturday as Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut and southern Lebanon, following a series of rocket attacks by Hezbollah on military sites in northern Israel. These events unfold as Lebanon considers a US-proposed truce aimed at reducing the violence that has plagued the region for over a year.
Fresh Strikes in Beirut
Israeli jets bombarded areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut, which have long been strongholds of Hezbollah. The strikes focused on what the Israeli military identified as a “weapons storage facility” and a Hezbollah “command center.”
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported multiple strikes in Chiyah and other neighborhoods, prompting residents in those areas to flee after receiving warnings from Israel. “The enemy carried out three air raids this morning and an additional strike later in the day,” NNA reported.
Attacks Extend to Tyre and Beyond
In the southern city of Tyre, Israeli airstrikes targeted a neighborhood near UNESCO-listed ruins, raising concerns about potential damage to cultural heritage sites. The health ministry in South Lebanon confirmed the deaths of two rescuers linked to Hezbollah and its ally, Amal, in a separate attack.
Hezbollah’s Retaliation
In a rapid response, Hezbollah launched several rocket attacks aimed at military sites in northern Israel, including a naval base in Haifa. The group stated that these strikes were part of its “ongoing response to aggression.”
Israeli media reported explosions and widespread alarms throughout the northern region but did not confirm any casualties.
Casualties and Humanitarian Toll
The conflict has left Lebanon in a state of turmoil. Lebanese authorities report that over 3,440 lives have been lost since October of last year, marking the beginning of the current escalation. A significant number of those who have died are civilians, which has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
Truce Talks Underway
Amid the escalating violence, there is a glimmer of hope for de-escalation. Lebanese government officials have confirmed that they received a US-backed proposal for a truce, aimed at establishing a temporary ceasefire and facilitating broader negotiations.
However, analysts indicate that both sides are still far from reaching an agreement, with Hezbollah demanding an end to all Israeli operations in Lebanon, while Israel insists on the disarmament of Hezbollah’s missile capabilities.
International Reactions
The escalating conflict has sparked global outrage, with the UN calling for immediate restraint from both sides. “Civilians are suffering the most in this conflict. A truce is urgently needed,” stated a UN spokesperson in a press release on Saturday.
Looking Ahead
As airstrikes and rocket attacks persist, the people of Lebanon and northern Israel find themselves trapped in a dangerous cycle of violence. It remains uncertain whether the truce talks will succeed or collapse under the weight of long-standing hostilities.
