Intensified Conflict: Israel's Heavy Bombardment of Southern Beirut Amid Ongoing Tensions
Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking the heaviest bombardment since its military operations against Lebanon escalated earlier this month. Reports indicate that the neighborhood of Dahiyeh, previously subjected to air raids, experienced over a dozen explosions as at least 15 missiles struck the area, resulting in the destruction of no fewer than seven buildings in the Haret Hreik suburb. This attack left the vicinity strewn with debris prompting civil defense teams to combat multiple fires while calling for blood donations amidst fears of impending casualties.
Witnesses described the attacks as massive, with sounds of explosions reverberating as far as Jounieh, located about 25 minutes north of Beirut. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Zeina Khodr emphasized the unprecedented scale of destruction, having covered past airstrikes in the area, but noting, 'Nothing like this.'
The Israeli military justified its actions by stating that the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah's central headquarters believed to be hidden under residential complexes. They claimed these were precise strikes, although reports have surfaced suggesting that this headquarters may have been occupied by Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah—claims that have been denied by sources close to the group who asserted Nasrallah was in a safe location at the time.
Dahiyeh is a densely populated district that houses over half a million civilians, many of whom have been attempting to evacuate as the airstrikes intensified over recent days. Remnants of prior conflicts, particularly the 2006 war, see the area heavily traumatized with families contemplating their next steps amidst continued bombardment. Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem noted the struggles of families caught between choosing to leave and the reality that attacks are occurring throughout Lebanon. One resident from the neighboring Palestinian refugee camp, Bourj el Baraneh, described the chaos ensuing from the strikes, further instigating a wave of refugees fleeing to safer areas.
As for casualties from Friday's air raids, immediate details remain unclear, but the scale and intensity of the attacks prelude significant injuries and fatalities. Despite the looming threat of escalation, there was no advance warning for the United States prior to the strikes, a fact confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh. Although Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant did communicate with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during the attack, it highlights a lack of coordination amid volatile tensions.
These strikes come on the heels of discussions about a potential ceasefire, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring at the United Nations that Israel will continue its offensive, asserting, 'As long as Hezbollah chooses the path of war, Israel has no choice.' In contrast, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, also addressing the UN, condemned Israel's actions, stating that the attacks reveal a disregard for international calls for peace, further exacerbating the existing conflict.
Amidst increasing violence and chaos, the situation is likely to evolve, necessitating a close watch on the humanitarian consequences and the potential for diplomatic resolutions as various parties continue their respective narratives and stances.
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